ROBERT B. KEENE, ESQ.

4713 Sheehan Place

(317) 319-0946
Indianapolis, IN 46254
rk7222ae@westpost.net
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Experienced attorney with broad expertise in a variety of legal arenas. Strong
and effective litigation experience in both state and federal courts as well as
a regulatory and transactional knowledge. Successful negotiator of complex tran
sactions and contracts. Devise and implement practical solutions to complex pro
blems. Skilled in dispute resolution and client management. Articulate communi
cator and clear, concise writer with polished presentation and interpersonal ski
lls. Impeccable ethics and integrity.
Areas of Expertise
Litigation / Management Human Resources / Labor Relations
Dispute Resolution / Mediation Civil / Human Rights
Administrative / Government Environmental Law
Corporate Law Criminal Law
Judicial Affairs Client Management
Appellate Work / Representation Legal Research
NOTEWORTHY LEGAL ACHIEVEMENT
* Recognized for precedent setting case: U.S. V. WILLOUGHBY, 27 Fed. 3d 263 (7t
h Circuit 1994). The 7th Circuit reversed the District Court based on brief and
oral argument.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Indianapolis, IN
Asst. Commissioner / Office of Legal Counsel
2006-2008
Acted as General Counsel for state agency. Directed staff of 40 employees in th
e following departments: Office of Legal Counsel, Office of Enforcement, and Of
fice of Criminal Investigation. Managed relationship between the Office of Atto
rney General and other state entities. Advised Commissioner and staff on legal
issues affecting agency while providing legal counsel to all program areas.
Highlights:
* Eliminated backlog of over 100 open cases in the Office of Enforcement. Worke
d with newly appointed Branch Chief establishing and promulgating procedures to
bring cases to conclusion. Established criteria to move new cases to dispositio
n within a one year period.
* Implemented agreement with the Attorney General to litigate state environmenta
l matters. Managed collaboration between agency and Attorney General's office t
o successfully litigate cases in the Office of Environmental Adjudication and St
ate Court.
Staff Attorney, Office of Legal Counsel
1999-2006
Investigated and analyzed assigned cases to determine the agency's best legal po
sition. Met all court appearances motion and pleading deadlines involving cases
before the Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication. Effectively represent
ed agency in settlement negotiations and final hearings. Advised agency in pers
onnel matters and defended the agency in employee grievance
Robert B. Keene, Esq., page 2
hearings before the State Employees' Appeals Commission. Defended the agency in
EEOC employee discrimination complaints.
Communicated major legal issues to agency program staff. Assisted staff members
in resolution of legal issues.
Highlights:
* Recognized for having the best working relationship with the Attorney General'
s Office. Developed extensive relationships within the litigation section to ef
fectively and efficiently resolve legal matters.
* Settled or obtained dismissal of backlog of Excess Liability Trust Fund claims
and appeals to the Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication.
Attorney at Law
Indianapolis, IN
Sole Practitioner
1986-1997
Successfully developed a solo practice from start-up, focusing on litigation and
involving numerous aspects of business architecture including:
* Strategic Planning / Development * Revenue & Profit Growth
* New Business Development * Operations / P&L Oversight
* Human Resource Matters * Quality / Productivity Improvement
Ability to resolve legal matters quickly and effectively, yet persistently pursu
e the most effective and appropriate course of action. Practice focused mostly o
n white collar criminal defense from pre-trial practice through trial, post-tria
l motions and sentencing. Conducted extensive legal research, drafted pleadings
, motions, discovery, witness interviewing and pre-sentencing memoranda. Routin
ely and effectively negotiated plea bargains with opposing counsel.
Marion Superior Court
Indianapolis, IN
Commissioner
1990-1998
Appointed as commissioner serving on judicial bench. Determined adjudication of
cases coming before the bench in both criminal and civil matters. Served in co
urt system accountable for 20% of all cases filed and disposed of each year with
in the state.
CREDENTIALS
Education
Juris Doctor; George Washington University
Bachelor of Science, Business; Indiana University
Bar Admissions
Indiana * Virginia
Admitted to Practice
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals (7th Circuit)
United States Tax Court
United States District Court (S.D. Indiana)
Military Experience
United States Navy, Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General Corps; Staff Legal Office
r