Katherine L. Braner

Katherine L. Braner is a Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School and Executive Director of the Arthur Liman Center for Public Interest Law. She holds a J.D. from Yale Law School (1993) and a B.A. from Bowling Green State University (1990), where she graduated summa cum laude with University Honors. Her career has focused on holistic indigent criminal defense, human trafficking advocacy, and conviction relief reform.

Professionally, Braner spent over two decades at the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender, serving as Interim Public Defender, Chief Deputy in multiple roles, and Trial Attorney. She also practiced at Comey Boyd & Luskin early in her career. She has trained legal professionals through the California Public Defender Association and National Institute for Trial Advocacy.

At Yale, she teaches 'Imprisoned: Conception, Construction, Abolition, and Alternatives.' Her academic work aligns with her advocacy in criminal justice reform and public interest law, supported by her leadership at the Arthur Liman Center.