Credentials

A UCLA School of Law lecturer and former federal prosecutor, Diane blends legal expertise, academic insight, and performance training to inform, engage, and inspire with impact.

Legal Analyst.

Former Federal Prosecutor.

UCLA Law Lecturer.

Diane Birnholz is an award-winning former federal prosecutor, educator, and sought-after legal analyst known for making complex courtroom cases accessible and interesting to any audience. With deep expertise in criminal law and a confident on-camera presence, she delivers engaging legal commentary across TV, print, and podcast platforms.

Diane proudly served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, where she prosecuted high-stakes cases in jury trials involving takeover-style armed bank robberies; multiple-defendant wire and bank frauds targeting seniors; narcotics trafficking; gang firearms crimes; conspiracy; escape; and assault on federal officers. She successfully argued multiple cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and was honored by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for her outstanding service.

A longtime Lecturer at UCLA School of Law, Diane has taught courses in Criminal Trial Advocacy, Negotiation Theory & Practice, Legal Research & Writing, Lawyering Skills, and Civil Trial Advocacy. She also served as an Admissions Officer at UCLA Law and is a longtime member of the Dean’s Circle Giving Society and the UCLA Law Women LEAD Network.

Her legal insight has been featured on CrimeDoor TV, William Shatner’s The UnXplained, ABC7, and quoted in major outlets including The Washington Post, USA Today, and Business Insider. A frequent guest expert, Diane brings not only knowledge but clarity and charisma to every appearance.

“Legal analysis should be sharp, clear, and never boring.”

In addition to her legal work, Diane is a true crime scriptwriter, podcast co-host, and the author of an upcoming legal thriller. Her stage performances in interactive murder mystery theater enhance her ability to connect with live audiences and make criminal law relatable. Her creative storytelling background complements her legal experience—bringing courtroom drama to life in a way that informs and captivates.

A graduate of UCLA School of Law and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Diane began her legal career clerking for U.S. District Court Judge Irving Hill and as a Certified Law Clerk in the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office. She has volunteered for the California Innocence Project, at Cedars-Sinai, and at numerous schools, including being elected as President of the Parents Service League. She now splits her time between coasts and is available for in-studio or remote TV and media appearances.

Fun Fact

Diane is a two-time game show winner, having appeared on both Wheel of Fortune and Let's Make a Deal.

Read about her experience in Exhibit A or on UCLA Law News.

Diane Birnholz with Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General