Helquist practices several different areas of law — helping businesses and individuals with environmental, land use, and zoning matters, among other practice areas.

He is one of the few attorneys located in northwest Wisconsin who regularly represents businesses and property owners to ensure they can successfully navigate complex environmental and zoning regulations.

“State agencies like the DNR and county zoning offices sometimes exceed their authority by telling people that part of their business or property use is illegal. We know our clients’ rights and we protect those rights to use their property and operate their businesses against regulatory overreach.

“Getting a demand letter from a zoning office or hearing a knock on the door from the DNR or EPA can be startling for clients. We listen. We learn our clients’ stories. And we tell that story, while ensuring regulatory agencies don’t overstep their authority,” Helquist said.

Helquist grew up “North of Highway 8,” with memories of working at family-run businesses and enjoying outdoor recreation, like fishing.

That background has helped drive him in his representation of individuals and businesses, to help ensure they have equal rights to use their property and operate their business so they can create memories and pass down their legacies to future generations.

Cormell, in turn, specializes in civil litigation primarily focusing on business, construction and contract disputes, he also works on behalf of many cooperatives and represents Tribal Members and Tribal Entities throughout the state.

Cormell is a problem solver, whether that means trying a case through the court system, or negotiating a resolution amongst the parties, he remains focused on finding the answer to the problem.

Regardless if the client is a municipality, individuals, an LLC, corporation or a partnership, Cormell recognizes the legal issue in litigation is always broader than that.

His clients are often people who have dedicated decades to building a business, or a life of civil service and the dispute they find themselves in can be a personal crisis.

“It’s often more than just a dollar and cents dispute that can’t be resolved. The clients life’s work is at stake,” Cormell said. “Civil litigation is parsing through the human aspect of (a case) to focus on a pragmatic outcome, while remaining sensitive to what the client is experiencing.”

Both Cormell and Helquist use their experience as they collaborate with the 27 attorneys at Weld Riley to efficiently solve problems.

“Everybody works together and it’s really just harmonious — not every firm is that way,” Cormell said. “There are (attorneys) here that are available and accessible; that really helps our clients ultimately. We love what we do, and that passion is reflected in our work and our dedication to our clients.”

Local residents seem to agree; Weld Riley, S.C. has secured several top spots in the Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll over the years. In 2025, they ranked #1 for Best Business Law Firm, Best Real Estate Law Firm, Best Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Firm.

“We have individualized expertise with a teamwork approach,” Helquist added. “To have that kind of expertise available to you — there is not a value I can place on that.”

For more information on Weld Riley’s services, or to schedule a consultation with Helquist or Cormell, visit weldriley.com or call their Eau Claire office at (715) 839-7786.

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