Kari Kanne has come a long way since she was a child on a farm in rural Iowa. She was made a partner of Honsa Mara & Kanne in March 2023. This is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. The firm, which focuses exclusively on family law, is well-known for its advocacy and successful outcomes in high-asset and complex family cases. Kanne, who has been recognized by Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars as an attorney under the age of 40, sits at the same table as Anne Honsa and Kristy Ma, two respected family lawyers and members of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Kanne pauses to reflect upon the journey that led her here. “I wanted to do big things and get out of the small town I grew up in, so I chose to become a lawyer or a doctor at a young age. It turns out that I’m not a big fan of blood. So, lawyer was an obvious choice for me.
Kanne tested her resolve after college, and before she attended law school. She first became a certified paralegal. “I went to paralegal college to ensure that I was making the right decision by investing in law school. I got my first experience with family law while attending paralegal school. I enjoyed working directly with people to help them get through a difficult time in their lives. “I decided to go to law school and the rest is the history.”
Kanne’s systematic approach to life and law led her to become a staff lawyer for Justice Anne K. McKeig, when McKeig was a judge in the family court. Kanne gained valuable procedural insight by observing the litigation strategy of various lawyers in court. She recalls, “Anne appeared before Judge McKeig on several occasions and I was very impressed with her manner in the courtroom.” “I wanted to learn from the very best so I applied when I heard that she had a job opening. I have been working here since then.”
Kanne believes that her intuitions about Honsa are correct. Anne was my mentor from the beginning. I went to mediations with Anne and appeared in court with her. We discussed the best legal strategy for each client and possible pitfalls. In those early years, Anne helped me figure out what I wanted to do. Anne is my biggest supporter. We talked about the day that my name would appear next to hers at the door. After working here for over ten years, this discussion has now become a reality. This was my childhood dream. The reality, however, is even better than what I imagined. “The attorneys in my firm are intelligent, strong and hard-working women.”
Kanne’s colleagues are at their best when the future of a family is on the table. She says, “I enjoy solving problems and helping people through the most difficult times of their lives.” Listening is the key. At the end of it all, I believe people want to be heard. I practice family law with compassion and common sense. I develop with my clients a tailored legal strategy that is based on the unique circumstances of each client and use this strategy to get the best outcome. “When meticulous case management and strategic planning do not lead to settlement, my attention, thorough preparation, and exceptional litigation skills will stand out in court.”
Kanne strives for objectivity in this emotional area of law. “I ask myself, if I were a judge, what would I say? To be an effective advocate in family court, you must look at the case from every angle and understand what your opponent will argue. Then I am able to prepare my client. I don’t wish for my client to think they will get a result which is not close to what the final outcome will be. “I use sound legal advice and compassion to help my clients make the right decisions for their families.”
She maintains balance both inside and outside the courtroom by remaining objective. Kanne and her husband are both family law attorneys, and have two children. “We have a full and rich life. But my career doesn’t take away from my ability to enjoy it. We have made it possible for our employees to achieve a work-life balance. I am able to be with my children and do not miss their events. We value families and convey this message to clients by offering legal services that frame divorce as a new beginning for a family.
Kanne has now the chance to mentor two new attorneys that have just joined the firm. Kanne: “They’re both intelligent, strong women and I look forward in helping them any way I can – like Anne helped me.” When you attend law school, your dream is to have your name displayed on a door one day. But I never imagined working for a powerful, all-women’s firm. I’m excited about the future of Honsa Mara & Kanne – new name, same excellent service.
The article Kari Kanne Putting her name on the Powerhouse Door first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.