Michelle M. Rich
mrich@rrccfirm.com
618.632.0044 Ext. 5
Biography
Michelle was born and raised in Columbia, Illinois, and grew up watching her dad fight for the rights of injured people. From an early age, she knew this is also what she was meant to do.
In 2009, she graduated summa cum laude from St. Louis University with an honors bachelor’s degree in history after finishing her degree in three (3) years. In 2012, she graduated from SLU LAW in the top one-third (1/3rd) of her class. Her comment “The Delinquent State: Illinois and Compliance with Workers’ Compensation Judgments,” was published in Volume 56 of the St. Louis University Law Journal in 2011. She also clerked for Judge Colleen Dolan in St. Louis County, and served as a prosecutor in the traffic and misdemeanor department of St. Clair County (where she never lost a trial).
Since joining the firm in 2012, Michelle has obtained many six and seven figure verdicts and settlements in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases for her clients. She has argued hundreds of cases before the Workers' Compensation Commission and many before the 5th District Appellate Court.
Most recently, in an 18-month span, Michelle amassed three (3) jury verdicts totaling in excess of $1.5 million in cases which were highly contested by the insurance companies.
Michelle is also heavily involved in her local legal community. She serves on the Illinois Trial Lawyers' Association's Board of Managers, and is one of ITLA's workers' compensation division co-chairs. She has also been asked to lecture on topics like deposition practice to her peers.
Throughout her career, Michelle has and continues to be a tireless advocate for injured people. More than anything, she loves fighting for the rights of those who have been taken advantage of by employers or large insurance companies.
Michelle and her husband enjoy spending time with their three dogs. She also loves spinning class, traveling, and is an avid wine enthusiast and animal lover.