Brian Welch Keatts

Brian Keatts is a Senior Associate and the firm's lead litigator in both state and federal courts. He collaborates with clients on energy, environmental, construction and infrastructure matters. Brian's work includes counseling interstate natural gas companies in project planning, construction and all associated litigation, as well as representing private utilities and governmental agencies in planning and getting their projects built, from initial permit applications through any necessary eminent domain/condemnation proceedings and related litigation.

Brian currently serves as lead trial counsel for the State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection, in connection with the State's joint beach replenishment and storm protection project in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Brian also has extensive experience representing architects, engineers and attorneys in professional malpractice matters.

Brian and the Rutter & Roy litigation team work closely with clients in obtaining their objectives during any dispute, and also pre-emptively in an effort to avoid potential issues that may rise to the level of litigation. When they do, Brian oversees all facets of the litigation process, from outlining the initial case strategy, to taking/defending depositions, motion practice, and if needed - trial. When matters proceed beyond an initial trial, Brian handles the appeals process - preparing briefs and presenting arguments before the appellate court.