Jessica A. Merkel

Attorney

Banner photo of Jessica A. Merkel

Jessica A. Merkel

Attorney

Banner photo of Jessica A. Merkel

Jessica A. Merkel

Attorney

500 N First Street, Suite 8000
P.O. Box 8050
Wausau, WI 54402-8050
Phone: 715.845.4336
Toll Free: 800.477.8050
Fax: 715.845.2718

Services

Focus Teams

Prior to becoming an attorney, Jessica worked in public sector leadership in both Human Services and Public Health.  She utilized skills developed through her Master of Social Work degree to advance relationships with families and strengthen community partnerships.

Jessica has advanced expertise working with families experiencing challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence. It’s because of these roles that she believes in clear communication and not relying on legalese to explain and outline options and solutions for clients.

At Ruder Ware, Jessica continues her passion for advocacy, this time for our elderly clients providing counsel on the use of irrevocable trusts for asset protection, medical assistance eligibility, and special needs trusts.  Jessica engages families by listening, empathizing, and supporting their choices to achieve their goals.  In addition, she counsels clients on estate and trust planning, taxation, powers of attorney, probate, and trust administration.

A Marshfield native (and current resident), Jessica and her husband, Ryan, enjoy introducing the world to their daughters by attending community events, spending time outdoors, gardening, and fishing.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Jessica worked in public sector leadership in both Human Services and Public Health.  She utilized skills developed through her Master of Social Work degree to advance relationships with families and strengthen community partnerships.

Jessica has advanced expertise working with families experiencing challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence. It’s because of these roles that she believes in clear communication and not relying on legalese to explain and outline options and solutions for clients.

At Ruder Ware, Jessica continues her passion for advocacy, this time for our elderly clients providing counsel on the use of irrevocable trusts for asset protection, medical assistance eligibility, and special needs trusts.  Jessica engages families by listening, empathizing, and supporting their choices to achieve their goals.  In addition, she counsels clients on estate and trust planning, taxation, powers of attorney, probate, and trust administration.

A Marshfield native (and current resident), Jessica and her husband, Ryan, enjoy introducing the world to their daughters by attending community events, spending time outdoors, gardening, and fishing.

Civic Activities

  • HART Equine Therapeutic Center, Inc. – Board Vice President (2023), Board President (2023–2024)
  • Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Marshfield Young Professionals, Member (2018–present)
  • Marshfield Area Respite Care Center Inc. – Board Member (2020–present)
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield – Board Vice President (2019–present)

Professional Activities

  • Marathon County Estate Planners Forum – Member
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys – Member
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys–Wisconsin Chapter – Member

Insights

Articles

  • Domestic Abuse can be a Life Sentence for Kids, featured in the Wausau Daily Herald – 10/4/16
  • Kids Exposed to Domestic Abuse are Traumatized, but There’s Help in Marathon County, featured in the Wausau Daily Herald – 10/10/17

Presentations

  • Protect Your Assets – Medicaid and Nursing Home Planning Seminar – 5/21/24
  • Protect Your Assets – Medicaid and Nursing Home Planning Seminar – 5/23/23
  • Old Plan, New Plan, No Plan–Time to Estate Plan, YMCA The Landing – 1/26/23
  • Protect Your Assets – Medicaid and Nursing Home Planning – 11/1/22
  • Long-Term Care Insurance Not an Option? Virtual Seminar – 6/14/22
  • The Truth About Your Home & the Nursing Home – 4/21/22
  • Long-Term Care Insurance Not an Option Webinar – 3/8/22
  • Protect Your Assets – Medicaid and Nursing Home Planning Virtual Seminar – 5/21/21
  • Is it Too Late? Last Minute Medicaid Planning That Works – 10/1/19
  • Protect Your Assets – Medical Assistance and Long-term Care Planning – 3/8/18 and 3/20/18; 9/25/18; 10/2/18 and 10/11/18; 3/20/19 and 3/2619; 5/1/19 and 6/6/19; 10/10/19 and 10/29/19
  • Tax & Estate Planning Update, Ruder Ware Seminar – 4/26/18
  • Trusts & Wills Workshop:  Top 12 Estate Planning Topics – 2/18/19

 

Civic Activities

  • HART Equine Therapeutic Center, Inc. – Board Vice President (2023), Board President (2023–2024)
  • Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Marshfield Young Professionals, Member (2018–present)
  • Marshfield Area Respite Care Center Inc. – Board Member (2020–present)
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield – Board Vice President (2019–present)

Professional Activities

  • Marathon County Estate Planners Forum – Member
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys – Member
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys–Wisconsin Chapter – Member

500 N First Street, Suite 8000
P.O. Box 8050
Wausau, WI 54402-8050
Phone: 715.845.4336
Toll Free: 800.477.8050
Fax: 715.845.2718

Services

Focus Teams

Education

  • B.S. (cum laude), University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, WI (2004)
  • M.S.W., Augsburg College – Minneapolis, MN (2008)
  • J.D. (magna cum laude), Mitchell Hamline School of Law – Saint Paul, MN (2018)

Admissions

  • Wisconsin Supreme Court

Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (2015–present)
  • Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (2010–present)