Keith A. Karlson

Police Benevolent Labor Committee

For more than 20 years Keith A. Karlson has been representing first responders and their unions. Keith serves as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Police Benevolent Labor Committee (“PBLC”). In both Illinois and Indiana, Keith has had success representing firefighters, police officers, and their unions in the courtroom, on appeal, at the bargaining table, and before administrative tribunals.

Keith has taught several seminars regarding administrative, statutory, and civil rights protections afforded public safety officers and their unions.  Mr. Karlson has taught university undergraduate and graduate level classes relating to civil liability for police officers, law for fire supervisors, and collective bargaining in the public sector. He has published several articles concerning labor law and the workplace rights of first responders.  In a seminal decision, Mr. Karlson successfully argued for recognition of a privilege protecting communications between a police officer and his/her union representative, a privilege previously not recognized in federal court.

Mr. Karlson is licensed to practice in Illinois and Indiana State Courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois (trial bar member), the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, and the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Sixth and Seventh Circuits. In 2013, the Force Science Institute certified Mr. Karlson in the application of human factors to police use of force incidents. Later, he was also certified by the Force Science Institute regarding the use of body cameras and other police related recordings.

Since 2019, Keith has been designated by Super Lawyers. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.

In November of 2024, Keith will be installed into the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.  Keith is honored to be elected to be a Fellow of the College.  Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by one’s colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication, and excellence.