Blake Lubinus | Saint Cloud Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Member | Iowa State Bar Association
• Member Minnesota State Bar Association

The two most recent cases where I made a big difference were in child welfare. I successfully won an appeal for a dad whose parental rights were terminated, clearing the way for him to be reunited with his three young daughters. He was able to do this and his child welfare case was successfully closed after his girls were returned to him. I was also the guardian ad litem for four children whose parents horribly abused one of their siblings. The parents were ultimately charged and pleaded guilty to their criminal conduct. This was my last child welfare trial in Iowa before relocating to Minnesota. The parents' rights were terminated and that termination was affirmed on appeal.

Responsive communication, honesty with clients about their cases both good and bad, and earning the respect and trust of my colleagues.

To me, the best quality in a lawyer is someone who will tell the client the truth, even when the truth is difficult to hear. It does no good for a client to be sold blue sky when the storm clouds are moving in.

Local knowledge is important. It's always good to know the lawyers and judges you're working with. But ultimately, success follows from the facts and what you know, not who you know.

I can provide a basic opinion about a prospective client's matter and whether it makes sense for them to have a full, in person consultation where I can learn more about their case and review any documentation they have to provide. I try to avoid providing advice over the phone.

Basic history, adverse parties (for conflict checks), desired outcome, and how contentious the other side is likely to be.

This is a difficult question to answer since, as of this writing I don't know a lot of lawyers in this community, but I have been told my approach to solving client problems is a bit different. My first instinct is to make the best deal to avoid costly litigation. Consequently, I feel that inspires more creativity when crafting an appropriate solution.

The most rewarding part of my job is when I have fully learned about a client's situation, given them the advice and representation they have hired me for, and they are satisfied that I have done everything I could to get them their desired outcome.

I love Chicago Cubs baseball and Iowa Hawkeye football. I play live music in my free time as well as hike, camp, kayak, and golf.

I have just relocated to my new community, but I am looking forward to getting involved as I become a more established member here.