Benjamin M. Keller

Benjamin M. Keller

Partner, Woods Oviatt Gilman

Years in current role: 10

What is one challenge currently facing the legal profession that deserves more attention?

Some states now allow certain categories of non-attorney ownership and investment in law firms with the stated goal of improving access to technology and funding for attorneys. There is an argument that this will improve the quality and decrease the cost of legal services, but it comes with the risk that attorneys will make decisions and give legal advice that serves the best interests of their non-attorney owners and investors rather than their clients.

How important is community involvement or pro bono work within your organization?

The legal profession is a pillar of the local community, and we encourage all attorneys at the firm to give back to the community regardless of their level of experience. I have been a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, where we’re committed to supporting and growing the downtown Rochester business district that is our region’s economic and cultural hub. I look forward to continuing our efforts to make downtown Rochester a safe and bustling place to work, live, and play.

What is one accomplishment — professional or personal — that you are especially proud of?

It’s not a single accomplishment, but I am proud of my daily effort to be there for my wife Kyra and my children Roscoe, Katya, Jerry, and Calla, while always still providing excellent legal advice to my clients. Early in my career as an associate at Milbank, one of my mentors always said, “the law is a jealous mistress.” It wasn’t until many years later when I had my own family that I understood how the time commitment required to practice law at the highest level competes with your time as a family.

This profile is part of our Real Estate Law Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.