Catherine C. Dietz-Kilen
Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, P.L.C.
Catherine C. Dietz-Kilen
Senior Partner
ADDRESS
423 E. Court Ave, Ste. 200
Des Moines, IA 50309
PHONE: (515) 284-1433
FAX: (515) 284-8909
E-MAIL: catherine@hdklawfirm.com
Catherine Dietz-Kilen was born in Iowa, and grew up on Long Island. She returned to Iowa to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BA in Political Science in 1980. Catherine graduated with honors from Drake University Law School in 1993, and was awarded membership in the Order of the Coif, an honor society for graduates in the top ten percent of their law class.
Catherine had two formative experiences while a student, the first was an internship with Justice Louis Lavorato of the Iowa Supreme Court, and the other was a clerkship with renowned trial advocate Roxanne Conlin. Catherine began practicing with Harvey Harrison in 1993. Harvey and Catherine formed the partnership now known as Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, P.L.C. in 1995. Shortly thereafter, Catherine assumed the responsibilities of being the firm's managing partner.
Catherine has more than twenty-nine years of successful experience as a general civil practitioner, representing individuals and families, primarily in the areas of family law, adoption and estate planning. Catherine also represents individuals forming families through the process of gestational surrogacy.
Catherine co-authored the article A Quiet Movement in the Heartlands, featuring the first Iowa family to benefit from a second-parent adoption, as featured in Metro Source Magazine.
Catherine authored and submitted an amicus brief in the landmark case of Varnum v. Brien, which brought marriage equality to Iowa.
Catherine and Earl Kavanaugh served as local counsel for the National Center for Lesbian Rights in the case of Iowa Department of Public Health v. Gartner.
Catherine has served on numerous community, city and county boards and commissions. Catherine's most cherished role is that of mother to her daughter, Nora.