Diane Birnholz isn’t just a legal expert—she’s the prosecutor and legal educator who brings courtroom clarity to every broadcast.

Diane Birnholz is an award-winning former federal prosecutor and sought-after legal analyst who specializes in making complex criminal cases clear, compelling, and accessible. She draws on years of courtroom experience in downtown L.A.—where she handled high-stakes prosecutions of criminal defendants in federal court, including takeover-style armed bank robbers, fraudsters preying on senior citizens, and defendants charged with conspiracy, assault, narcotics trafficking, escape, and gang firearms crimes—as well as her current role as a Lecturer at UCLA School of Law.

Diane brings this unique blend of real-world trial expertise, academic insight and her engaging personality to her media appearances, captivating audiences on TV, streaming, podcasts, and print. Her legal commentary has been featured on CrimeDoor TV, William Shatner’s The UnXplained, and ABC7's live TV newscasts, and quoted in major outlets including The Washington Post, USA Today, Business Insider, and Buzzfeed News. Journalists have sought out and repeatedly relied on Diane for her legal acumen in helping them understand the nuances in some of the biggest criminal cases of recent times. Always a teacher at heart, Diane has also assisted student journalists at both UCLA and USC with their criminal law questions and been quoted in their school papers, and has enjoyed being a motivational speaker for high school student groups interested in the legal profession.

A graduate of UCLA School of Law and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Diane has been honored by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for her years of outstanding service. Whether booked as a TV legal expert, true crime commentator or host, or podcast guest, Diane delivers engaging analysis with clarity and expertise.

Thank you so much for always taking the time to get back to us and for being willing to share your expertise. It's been great to chat with you over the last couple of years

BuzzFeed News, Reporter

Thank you for another great interview! I will be in touch again for future interviews.

Producer, ABC7 News

Hey Diane!! It was such a joy to have you on, can’t wait to have you back with us! It was always such a pleasure working with you, I’ve learned so much. I really appreciate it!

CrimeDoorTV Anchor

I think you do a fantastic job explaining some difficult legal concepts, and I know this will sound weird, but I'll always think of you whenever I see anything about last meals for death row inmates.

I hope someone else puts you on TV because I thought you did a great job.

CrimeDoorTV Producer