After retiring from football, Keating attended the
University of Denver College of Law, receiving his J.D. degree in 1971. He was a founding partner of the Colorado law firm of Fogel, Keating, Wagner, Polidori, Shaffner (known in 2025 as Keating Wagner Polidori Free). He was a trial lawyer specializing in plaintiffs' personal injury and wrongful death litigation. He was a fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was president of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association from 1991 to 1992. He was so respected by the Colorado Bar that the University of Denver College of Law selects an annual winner of the William L. Keating Outstanding Alumni Award at its DU Law Stars dinner. ==References==