Charles R. (Chuck) Keller is a founding partner of Fenton & Keller and one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most respected and accomplished trial attorneys. For more than six decades, he has been an important part of the Central Coast legal community, building a distinguished career defined by exceptional advocacy, professionalism, and integrity.
A graduate of Stanford University and Stanford Law School, Chuck began practicing law in Monterey County in 1965. Before founding Fenton & Keller in 1993, he was a partner with the firm’s predecessor, Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel.
Throughout his career, Chuck developed an extensive civil litigation practice representing individuals, businesses, and professionals in complex and high-stakes matters. His experience spans business and commercial disputes, real estate litigation, professional malpractice defense, probate and securities litigation, and plaintiffs’ personal injury matters. His courtroom successes include numerous significant judgments and verdicts, including an $8 million verdict in a personal injury action against the State of California.
Chuck’s abilities as a trial attorney and his commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession have earned him recognition from his peers throughout his career. He was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates, organizations that recognize accomplished trial lawyers for their skill, professionalism, and integrity.
In 2005, Chuck became the first recipient of the Lewis L. Fenton Excellence in Advocacy Award presented by the Monterey County Bar Association, an especially meaningful distinction honoring his longtime colleague and fellow Fenton & Keller namesake, Lewis L. Fenton.
Chuck’s contributions to the profession have extended beyond the courtroom. While at Stanford Law School, he served as a revising editor of the Stanford Law Review, and during his career he has also served as a mediator and arbitrator, drawing upon decades of litigation experience to help parties resolve complex disputes.
No longer practicing full time, Chuck remains an important part of Fenton & Keller. He remains available to assist with select matters and to serve as a resource to the firm’s attorneys. The standards of excellence, integrity, sound judgment, and client service that have defined his career continue to be reflected in the values and practice of the firm that bears his name.