Christopher D. Keeler

A versatile advisor and advocate for public education, Christopher D. “Chris” Keeler guides Southern California superintendents and school boards through the wide range of legal matters. Helping primarily San Diego and Inland Empire educational entities, he adeptly counsels clients on issues involving governance, labor and employment, collective bargaining, student matters, business, public contracts, real property, and unionization in charter schools. As the son of parents who worked in education, Chris has a deep appreciation for teachers, administrators and school district employees.

With almost three decades of experience in education law, Chris advises clients in conflicts and procedures stemming from employee evaluations and discipline, student behavior, sexual harassment, dress codes, free speech and Internet-based misconduct by both students and employees. He is frequently invited to provide training at seminars and conferences, as well as in-service trainings tailored specifically for individual clients. With a deep understanding of Interest-Based Bargaining, Chris also trains management and labor negotiation teams.

Over the years Chris has successfully represented school districts, large and small, before various administrative agencies, including the Public Employment Relations Board, Office of Administrative Hearings, California Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, as well as state and federal courts. He offers clients calm and practical direction on the turbulent issues that have arisen in recent years, including school district responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, public challenges to curriculums, protests at school-related meetings, and controversies stemming from social media content. In addition, he keeps clients up-to-date and compliant with California’s ever-evolving education laws.

With a keen interest in the rapid advancement of educational technology, Chris addresses the legal issues that stem from embedding it in schools. From online courses and collective bargaining issues to social media use policies, he is a recognized leader in this emerging area of law.