Personal

Whatever little spare time Chris has is largely devoted to serving on the boards of worthy nonprofit organizations. She’s particularly passionate about working with Hope Ministries of Baton Rouge, which helps those struggling with homelessness by providing a food pantry, community kitchen, workforce training program, and other essential services.

EDUCATION

  • Louisiana State University, J.D., 1994
  • Louisiana State University, B.A., 1990

Admissions

  • Louisiana, 1994
  • Mississippi, 1997
  • U.S. District Courts, Northern District Mississippi
  • U.S. District Courts, Southern District Mississippi
  • U.S. Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit
  • State Supreme Court of Mississippi

Memberships

  • Baton Rouge Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association, Middle District of Louisiana
  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • Wex S. Malone Inns of Court
  • Greater Baton Rouge Society of Human Resource Managers
  • National Society of Human Resource Managers

thought leadership

  • Moderator, Kullman Firm Employment Law Seminar (October 2024)

Recognition

overview

"I work closely with the people I serve, and together we build strong, lasting relationships. Clients call me the instant they find themselves in a difficult situation because they know I’ll immediately take practical steps to right the ship, resolve the problem, and keep things sailing smoothly. I’m always looking out for their best interests—and that allows them to sleep soundly at night."

Practice Overview

With a diverse two-pronged practice focusing on both private- and public-sector work, Christine “Chris” Keenan adeptly advises clients in labor and employment and First Amendment litigation and in issues arising from the construction, energy, and hospitality industries. In all arenas Chris provides a calm, practical, and seasoned approach to hot-button issues and routine matters alike.

Chris draws on extensive experience to vigorously defend employers in lawsuits involving wage and hour issues, non-competition agreements and claims of harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender, race, age, and disability. She also represents employers before both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.

To help prevent disputes from arising in the first place, Chris guides managers and human resources professionals on personnel policies, leave issues, Covid-19-related policies and protocols, and discipline and discharge matters. She works in tandem with employers to ensure they stay compliant with statutes and regulations including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, Chris travels the country conducting training and workshops for management-level employees regarding critical human resource issues.

Chris’s keen legal acumen, ability to think creatively, and collaborative style earn her a great deal of trust from those she represents. Working hand-in-hand, she stays responsive to clients’ needs and mindful of their ultimate goals and preferred paths for attaining them, whether that’s an aggressive courtroom strategy, a cost-minimizing settlement, or something in between. At the same time, she provides upfront and candid assessments of each situation so clients never form unrealistic expectations.

In litigation, Chris’s professional and engaging demeanor has gained her respect and credibility in the eyes of opposing counsel, judges, and juries alike. Clients benefit from her ability to connect with both judges and juries to effectively advocate on their behalf. Whether she’s providing training, discussing strategy, or preparing a witness to take the stand, Chris enjoys working one-on-one with her clients to help them meet their desired objectives.

Kullman