Kiener, John L.

John L. Kiener was born in Fort Madison, Iowa on June 21, 1940.

Kiener attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. While a student at Loras, Kiener was on the staff of The Spokesman, a literary magazine published by the school. Using the writing skills which he began to develop in high school as editor of his school paper, he helped finance his undergraduate education through employment at the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, as a sports correspondent. He also wrote a weekly sports column for the Dubuque Archdiocesian Catholic newspaper, The Witness. After graduating from Loras College with a Bachelor of Arts-cum laude in 1962, Kiener attended Drake University School of Law. While at Drake, he was a member of the Delta Theta Law Fraternity and was also a member of the staff of the Drake Law Review, holding the position of editor in 1965. As a Freshman he also worked part-time at the Des Moines Register and the Associated Press.

Kiener began his law career in Iowa, first in private practice, then as Assistant Attorney General.

In 1972 he moved to Johnson City, Tennessee and became a partner in the law firm of Cantor and Kiener. In 1975 he became a city judge but continued his private practice until 1980, when he was appointed by Governor Lamar Alexander to the position of second General Sessions Judge.