Douglas T. Kans
If you’ve been charged with a crime, your choice of lawyer may just be the most important decision you’ll ever make. It is important to note, then, that Douglas T. Kans established the Kans Law Firm, LLC with only one goal – to defend individuals charged with criminal offenses and provide them with the best possible defense.
Mr. Kans, a former prosecutor, previously prosecuted countless criminal offenses. It is these experiences that have given him the ability to look at all his cases through the eyes of a prosecutor, thus helping him create the best legal strategies possible in defense of the firm’s clients.
Mr. Kans also maintains close, quality relationships with the clients he works with, treating every single one with respect and integrity with regard to their objectives, goals, and needs. He listens and communicates openly with his clients, and explains to them everything they need to know about state and federal laws, as well as the unique challenges of Minnesota DUIs.
Douglas T. Kans studied at the University of Maryland at College Park, graduating in 1989 from the prestigious Robert H. Smith School of Business with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, and then earning his Juris Doctorate from the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. He is licensed in both Federal and State Court, and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National College for DUI Defense, and the Minnesota State Bar Association.
Kailee Thompson – Associate Attorney
Kailee Thompson studied at the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology of Law, Crime, and Deviance. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is licensed in the State of Minnesota and a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association.
While in law school, Ms. Thompson gained experience as a student attorney in the public defender’s office and worked in a criminal defense firm near the Twin Cities. Following graduation, she moved to the Iron Range and clerked for a district court judge in Virginia, MN.
Ms. Thompson strives to provide the best representation through effective and clear communication with her clients. She works diligently and respectfully with each client, guiding them through the legal process from beginning to end.
Outside of the office, Ms. Thompson enjoys playing hockey, travelling, and spending time outdoors.
Mariah Zell – Associate Attorney
Mariah J. Zell studied at Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, and went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is licensed in the State of Minnesota and is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association.
While in law school, Ms. Zell had the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working with a federal district court judge in South Dakota, the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office, and two private DUI and criminal defense firms located in the Twin Cities area. These experiences gave Ms. Zell insight into Minnesota’s criminal law system that she uses to create sound legal strategies in defense of her clients.
Ms. Zell enjoys fostering and maintaining quality relationships with her clients through honest communication, respect, and empathy. Ms. Zell takes pride in her hard work and through assisting clients through the legal process.
Ms. Zell was born and raised near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the majority of her family still resides. Ms. Zell and her fiancé live in the White Bear Lake area, where they have two Guinea Pigs and a dog waiting for them at home. Ms. Zell enjoys literature, theater, board games, and spending time with her family on the water.
Pamela Lanska – Legal Assistant
Pamela brings to Kans Law Firm, LLC a vast amount of experience in the legal field. Pamela previously held the title of senior legal assistant for 16 years with the Carver County Attorneys’ office in Chaska, Minnesota. In that position, she provided litigation support to both the Assistant County Attorneys and the County Attorney.
After leaving the Carver County Attorney’s office, Pamela worked for 2 years as a legal assistant for another private DWI/criminal defense firm located in Eagan, MN before joining our firm. Pamela takes great pride in being a top-notch legal assistant and truly provides a great asset to our clients.
