Kristine A. Kubes, Kubes Law Office, PLLC

Construction Lawyer, Kubes Law Office, PLLC

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in construction or real estate law?

The biggest current challenge is uncertainty, due to the national and international political scene. Federal policy changes and tariffs may impact workforce, pricing, materials pricing and supply chain, and any/all of those items may impact the viability of certain projects as well as a construction company’s ability to compete for work.

What advice would you give a business to avoid legal complications in construction or real estate?

At my core, I am a risk manager and a pragmatist. While I cannot give advice here, I can offer some practical risk management considerations for design and construction companies today. A wise company (1) utilizes its resources proactively to manage its risk and protect its bottom line; (2) invests in a good contract, fitting for the parties and the project; (3) carefully manages changes to the project scope and time; and (4) documents progress of the work, key decisions, and project developments. With the benefit of legal guidance and these steps, the company will be better prepared in the event legal issues arise.

What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?

If I could change one thing, it would be this: People would genuinely listen to one another. Listening is a lost art today, yet it is critical to understanding, building bridges, working out conflict, and tending relationships. Imagine the progress we could make if people listened to understand one another rather than to promote their own agendas and denigrate the other side. Listening opens up the possibility of finding common ground, which is critical for progress as a society and for dispute resolution.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I am a creative at heart – an avid cook, pie baker, gardener, devotee of the Craftsman period of architecture and design, amateur photographer and Shutterfly Maven! I am a professionally-trained soprano who loves collaborating with musicians at church or in the community. I love using my gifts to spread love, bring comfort, foster peace.