Keith Olsen
A significant part of Keith's practice involves conducting sensitive internal investigations. He is trusted by organizations—including schools and universities—to handle allegations of misconduct such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace culture concerns, and Title IX matters.
Before joining Venable, he spent 15 years in journalism and higher education, which informs his practice. 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 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.
Related Practices
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
- Defended a large manufacturer against wage-and-hour claims made by current and 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
- Conducted an internal investigation for a New York-based employer regarding allegations of religious discrimination
- Conducted an internal investigation for a Washington, DC-based employer regarding allegations of disability discrimination
Insights
Credentials
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