Kristine L. Dicke
My long-standing interest in the law, coupled with my belief that Christian attorneys can make a meaningful difference, fueled my pursuit of a career in law. Chief Justice Warren Burger's quote, "Lawyers can be healers", was inscribed with prominence both at our law school and in my heart.
At Winona State University I majored in Business Administration and minored in Public Address/Communications. I was president of the Society for Advancement of Management, gave campus tours to incoming families, and interned at the Winona County Attorney's office. Graduating in three years, I then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to pursue my law degree at the O.W. Coburn School of Law at Oral Roberts University (now Regent University). My Interest in family issues grew while I studied law.
I had the opportunity to return to Minnesota in 1987 to practice with Ryan & VanDerHeyden, a predecessor firm to Ryan & Grinde, Ltd. and I have been here ever since. The people make the organization and this firm has a unique history of longevity of attorneys and staff. Those strong internal relationships create a team environment where every member is appreciated and valued. Our firm values every client as well, knowing that, many times, it is that client's first encounter with an attorney and the legal system. Our clients have our commitment of honesty and hard work.
Continued education beyond that required for licensure has enabled me to expand my services from advocacy to work as a mediator, social early neutral evaluator, financial early neutral evaluator, and parenting time expeditor. I am committed to helping families find better ways to communicate and solve problems.
My community involvement includes organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Legal Assistance of Olmsted County and Southeastern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. In 2012, I received the Minnesota Third Judicial District Pro Bono Award.
I believe that as attorneys, we not only must exhibit excellence in the practice of law, we also must have compassion for those we serve. A family or financial problem is one of the most personal and painful. To be entrusted with another's most important issues is truly an honor. I am gratified to be a member of this profession.
Year Joined Firm
- 1987
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Family Law Mediator and Parenting Time Expeditor
- Bankruptcy
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Adoption
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma, 1987
- Minnesota, 1987
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1987
Education
- O.W. Coburn School of Law, Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- J.D. - 1986
- Honors: Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award in Commercial Transactions I and II
- Winona State University, Winona, MN
- B.S. cum laude - 1983
- Major: Business Administration, Communications
Honors and Awards
- 2012 Third Judicial District Pro Bono Award
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law & Bankruptcy Sections
- Minnesota State Court System Alternative Dispute Resolution Neutrals Roster, 1998 - Present
- Olmsted County Family Law Committee, Chair, 1995 - 1997
- Dissolution and Custody Planning, Course Instructor, 1997 - Present
- Winona County Parents Forever, Instructor, 1996 - 2000
- Olmsted County Judicial Subcommittee - Family Law
- Souther MN Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) Pro Se Divorce Clinic, Volunteer Attorney, 2005 - Present
- Legal Assistance of Olmsted County, Board of Directors, 1996 - 2002
- Minnesota Association for Justice (formerly MTLA), Past member
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Past member
- American Red Cross, SE MN Chapter, Board of Directors 2011-Present, Secretary 2013
- American Business Women's Association, Greater Rochester, 2009-2013, Secretary 2010-2011