Brian W. Keatts, Senior Associate
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 preemptively 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.

Reported Cases Include:

• State v. 10.041 Acres of Land in the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach (Appellate Docket Nos: A2278-17T4, A2279-17T4 and A2279-17T4, 2020)
• Bhatti v. Federal National Mortgage Association, et al., 2018 WL 357292 (N.D.N.Y. 2018)
• Gonzalez v. Federal National Mortgage Association, et , 2016 WL 4260782 (D.N.J. 2016)
• Garza Green Tree Servicing, LLC, 2015 WL 11669645, (W.D. Texas, San Antonio Division 2015)
• Fossing v. Townsend Motor Inn, Inc., 72 A.D.3d 884, 900 N.Y.S.2d 101 (2d Dept. 2010)
• TMB Communications v. Preefer, 61 A.D.3d 450, 883 N.Y.S.2d 904 (1st Dept. 2009)
• Lichtenstein v. Fantastic Merchandise Corp., 46 A.D.3d 762, 850 N.Y.S.2d 463 (2nd Dept. 2007)
• Zaslowsky v. M. Dennis Construction Company, Corp., 26 A.D.3d 372, 810 N.Y.S.2d 484 (2d Dept. 2006)
• In the Matter of Markowitz, 28 A.D.3d 667, 813 N.Y.S.2d 660 (2d Dept. 2006)

Speaking Engagements

• Panelist on commissioner hearing and trial issues in connection with eminent domain proceedings,
• International Right of Way Association, New Jersey Chapter, (2019)

Professional Affiliations

• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association