C. Matthew Matt Keen
Employment Law - Management
Employment Law - Management
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Mr. Keen has practiced labor and employment law in the Raleigh office of Ogletree Deakins since 1987. His practice has included employment litigation in state and federal courts, representing clients before the National Labor Relations Board and advising clients on equal employment opportunity and wage and hour issues. He has successfully litigated cases to defense verdicts in employment discrimination cases. He has also litigated matters involving ERISA, non-competition and trade secrets, workplace injuries and other contract and tort claims. He has successfully represented clients in dozens of labor and employment arbitrations.Mr. Keen has been recognized as a leading labor and employment lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America*, and was named Management Lawyer of the Year in Raleigh by Best Lawyers for 2012.. He has been named in the top tier of the leading employment lawyers in North Carolina by Chambers USA America’s Leading Business Lawyers* since 2006. He has also been recognized by North Carolina Legal Elite* and Super Lawyers*.Mr. Keen has lectured on various employment law topics before business groups and has written articles for legal and employment journals. He contributed to and revises the North Carolina Employers' Desk Manual and also contributed to a treatise on the Americans With Disabilities Act. He is active in the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006
David Walker
I worked with Matthew Keen on a complex labor dispute involving wrongful termination claims. His deep experience in employment litigation was evident in how he navigated our case, particularly in his understanding of North Carolina employment law nuances. He clearly explained our legal options and demonstrated strong familiarity with both state and federal court procedures, which gave me confidence in his representation. However, while his expertise was top-notch, I found his responsiveness to be inconsistent. There were several weeks between responses, which, while not catastrophic, made it harder to stay on top of case developments. Additionally, while he was thorough in his explanations, I sometimes wished for more proactive communication about potential strategies or timelines. The outcome was favorable, but I believe better communication throughout the process would have enhanced the experience. That said, his legal acumen and track record—particularly being named Labor Lawyer of the Year multiple times—undoubtedly played a key role in our success. If he can improve on client communication, he’d be even more effective.
John Allen
I recently worked with Mr. Keen on a complex employment litigation case, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. His deep knowledge of labor law, honed over 38 years of practice, was evident in every aspect of our case. He handled negotiations with a rare combination of professionalism and empathy, ensuring my concerns were always addressed. The recognition he's received, including multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' awards, reflects the exceptional service he provides. His strategic approach to our case, particularly his expertise in defending employers in disputes, made all the difference. While his billing structure could be more transparent, his dedication to achieving the best possible result more than made up for it. I highly recommend Mr. Keen for any labor and employment law needs.
Ronald Garcia
I couldn't have asked for a better attorney to handle my complex employment dispute. Matt Keen's deep expertise in labor law—especially his 38 years of experience with Ogletree Deakins—was evident from our first consultation. He navigated the intricacies of my case with precision, leveraging his courtroom experience to secure a favorable outcome. What stood out was his ability to explain legal complexities in clear, actionable terms while maintaining a professional yet approachable demeanor. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year in Labor Law speaks volumes, but it was his personal commitment that made the difference. Highly recommend for any employment litigation needs.
Katherine Hill
I cannot say enough good things about Attorney C. Matthew Keen at Ogletree Deakins. When my company found itself embroiled in a complex employment dispute, it was Mr. Keen's guidance and expertise that steered us through the storm. His 38 years of experience in labor and employment law were evident in his thorough understanding of the intricacies of our case. It was comforting to know that we had a seasoned professional like Mr. Keen advocating for us every step of the way. His recognition as 'Lawyer of the Year' multiple times in Raleigh for Labor Law - Management is a testament to his unparalleled skills. I highly recommend Mr. Keen for any employment-related legal matters - you will not be disappointed.
Larry Sanchez
I had the privilege of working with Mr. Keen on a complex employment matter, and his expertise was evident from the first consultation. With nearly 40 years of experience in labor and employment law, he provided strategic guidance that was both practical and legally sound. His deep understanding of employment litigation in state and federal courts proved invaluable in resolving our case efficiently. Mr. Keen's recognition as Lawyer of the Year in Labor Law reflects his commitment to excellence. Throughout the process, he was professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome. I highly recommend him for any labor or employment law needs in Raleigh.
Jessica Cooper
Mr. Keen provided outstanding legal representation when my company faced a complex wrongful termination lawsuit. His 38 years of experience in labor law was immediately evident in how he strategically negotiated with opposing counsel, leveraging his deep knowledge of North Carolina employment statutes. The case was particularly challenging due to emerging labor regulations, but Mr. Keen's foresight in anticipating judicial trends and his meticulous preparation led to a favorable settlement. A testament to his expertise is his multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' awards in Labor Law, which our HR team noticed early on. Throughout the process, he maintained exceptional professionalism while making sure we understood every step. His mastery of both litigation and compliance issues gave us confidence throughout. I would highly recommend him for any employment-related legal matters.
Timothy White
Mr. Keen is an outstanding attorney with decades of experience in labor and employment law. His deep knowledge of complex employment litigation and management-side representation was evident throughout our case. With 38 years of practice, including multiple recognitions as a Lawyer of the Year in Labor Law, his expertise is unmatched. He managed a highly contentious wrongful termination case for our company with precision, securing a favorable settlement that protected our interests. His professionalism, strategic approach, and ability to handle high-stakes disputes set him apart. The Ogletree Deakins team is fortunate to have such a skilled and dedicated advocate. I highly recommend Mr. Keen for any employment law needs.
Kenneth Anderson
I cannot recommend C. Matthew Keen enough for his exceptional work in labor and employment law. His 38 years of experience in representing clients for Ogletree Deakins was evident in how he handled my case. He provided meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of employment litigation, which ultimately led to a highly favorable outcome. Mr. Keen’s strategic approach and clear communication made the entire process far less daunting. What impressed me most was his ability to break down complex legal concepts into understandable terms, ensuring I felt informed every step of the way. The recognition he has received, such as being named 'Lawyer of the Year' multiple times, reflects his dedication and expertise. Whether you're dealing with workplace disputes or employment litigation, Mr. Keen is the attorney you want on your side.
Mark Cruz
Mr. Keen's deep expertise in labor and employment law proved invaluable during a complex workplace dispute. His 38 years of experience at Ogletree Deakins was evident in his strategic approach to our case, which involved navigating state and federal regulations. He demonstrated a keen understanding of both litigation and compliance, offering practical solutions that aligned with our business goals. The awards acknowledging his leadership in labor law – including multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions – are well deserved. His advice was thorough, and his ability to anticipate potential legal challenges was impressive. While his fees were fair, I would have appreciated more frequent updates during the process. Overall, his knowledge and dedication made him an excellent choice for our legal needs, and I would confidently recommend him to others facing employment-related issues.