Kathy Diener

Biography

Professor Diener joined the faculty of Ave Maria School of Law in 2026 as Director of the Veterans & Servicemembers Law Clinic. In this role, she teaches and supervises law students representing veterans and servicemembers in matters involving VA disability compensation, appeals, discharge upgrades, and related advocacy.

Before joining Ave Maria, Professor Diener taught in the Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law. She has also maintained a private veterans law practice, representing veterans in claims and appeals before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Professor Diener previously spent five years as an attorney at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, where she drafted decisions in veterans benefits appeals. Her work at the Board, in private practice, and in clinical legal education provides her with a comprehensive perspective on veterans law from both the adjudicatory and advocacy sides of the VA system.

Before becoming an attorney, Professor Diener served for seven years in the United States Air Force as an Arabic linguist.

Professor Diener earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.A. in Humanities from the University of Maryland University College.

Education

• J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
• B.A., Humanities, University of Maryland University College

Courses Taught

• Veterans & Servicemembers Law Clinic