Keith Olsen

Associate
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Keith Olsen supports clients in a wide range of workplace matters. Keith’s practice includes litigation, day-to-day counseling, and conducting internal investigations, for a broad array of clients in the non-profit, education, university, sports, healthcare, construction, and hospitality industries, among others. He has defended employers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage-and-hour cases in state and federal courts. He also regularly counsels employers on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including hiring practices, discipline and termination, leave laws, workplace accommodations, and employee handbooks and policies.

In addition to litigation and counseling, Keith conducts sensitive internal investigations for a diverse set of clients, regarding allegations of misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and workplace culture concerns, as well as for schools and universities with regard to Title IX violations. Before joining Venable, he spent 15 years in journalism and higher education. He has worked at ABC News, Columbia University, and New York University (NYU). Most recently, Keith was director of communications and chief of staff at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, where he oversaw the school's communications team and managed the operations of the Dean's Office. While at NYU, he also designed and taught a graduate writing and communications course as an adjunct instructor for many years.

Keith maintains an active pro bono practice representing underserved individuals and nonprofit organizations.

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Defended an independent school employer in a decades-old Child Victims Act (CVA) matter
  • Defended a large university in a historic collective bargaining effort before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
  • Defended a home health agency against wage-and-hour claims made by former employees
  • Conducted an internal investigation for a New York-based university regarding Title IX violations between a staff member and student
  • Defended a large cultural institution against allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation
  • Conducted an internal investigation for a New York independent school regarding bullying
  • Conducted an internal investigation for a New York-based museum regarding discrimination and retaliation
  • Drafted a sexual misconduct policy for a law school based on Title IX revisions
  • Conducted an internal investigation for a nonprofit organization regarding discrimination and retaliation
  • Conducted an internal investigation for a large cultural institution regarding allegations of policy violations

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. magna cum laude New York Law School 2023
    • Executive editor, New York Law School Law Review
    • Dean's Scholar
    • Dean's Award for Student Leadership, 2023
    • Joseph Solomon Award for Excellent Character and Fitness, 2023
  • M.S. Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism 2012
  • B.A. Romance Languages and Journalism New York University 2009

Bar Admissions

  • New York

Professional Memberships and Activities

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