Founder and Visionary
"The process of divorce calls for a long-term focus just when people are dealing with immediate pain. While I have a lot of experience with tough cases in court and on appeal, I find true joy in helping clients solve their issues in a way which serves their entire family."
Joan Lucas, founder of Lucas Family Law, has been helping families through the process of divorce since 1985. She has built a small team of experienced professionals to pursue the most cost-effective, long-term solutions for clients in family transitions. While she is an experienced and respected litigator, she prefers working with clients who want to understand the best ways to protect not only their own interests, but the interests of everyone involved.
"I have set up this firm to be a place where we build trust with our clients, which then enables them to move forward confidently from the current turmoil in their lives. Divorce leaves a lasting impact – one that will be felt for years if not managed well."
She takes a deeply personal and empathetic approach to working with clients. "They trust me with their lives sometimes, or at least with their children and all their assets. My value as a lawyer lies in my experience and judgment – but my value as a listener and advisor goes far beyond that."
Joan is a strong negotiator and proponent of mediation. "Although mediation is the preferred approach in many situations," Joan says, "People with children or assets should seek legal counsel before the mediation process so they are clear about their legal options and the long-term implications of their decisions. I want people to understand the issues and the impact of their choices before they begin the mediation process."
Joan often represents families with significant assets, complicated relationships, and other issues that require the wisdom that comes with experience. Recognized by her peers as a SuperLawyer™, a distinction earned by fewer than five percent of practicing Minnesota attorneys, Joan was also recently named as a "Best Attorney in America," and elected President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Minnesota Chapter.
She resides on 29 acres of land near Northfield, Minnesota. She is passionate about her family, travel, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Education
- William Mitchell College of Law, Juris Doctor cum laude 1983
Founder, WMCL Child Care Center, 1982
Vice President, Student Counsel - University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Science in Business, 1976
- Founded Joan H. Lucas Law Offices, 1992
- Associate in Family Law to various firms, 1984-1992
- Law Clerk to the Honorable Rosalie E. Wahl, 1983-1984
- Minneapolis YWCA, Board of Directors and Volunteer, 1981-1986
- Datapoint Corporation, District Administrative Manager, 1977-1978
- Xerox Corporation, Customer Service Manager, 1976-1977
- Cedar Riverside Associates, Consultant, 1975-1976
Supervisor, Accounting Department, 1974-1974
- American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys
Fellow, 1995 to current
President, Minnesota Chapter 2007 to current
Vice President, Minnesota Chapter 2004-2007
Board of Managers and Treasurer, Minnesota Chapter
Strategic Planning Committee, Minnesota Chapter, 2002 and 2006 - "Super Lawyer", Minnesota Law & Politics, 1998 to current
- "Top 40 Family Law Attorney", Minnesota Law & Politics, 2005
- "Top 100 Women Attorney", Minnesota Law & Politics, 2006 to current
- "Best Attorneys in America", 2008
- Phone: 651-294-0894
- [email protected]
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