keeton joined harvard law school in 1953, where he would remain until 1979. in 1954, he wrote "trial tactics and methods", a book of practical advice on courtroom skills. keeton later developed a program at harvard (later used at other law schools) in which experienced trial lawyers taught students. one rule of keeton's program was to not ask hostile witnesses open-ended questions. in 1956, keeton received his doctor of juridical science from harvard. in 1973, he was named the langdell professor of law. keeton served as associate dean from 1975–1979. in the early 1970s, keeton worked with university of virginia school of law professor jeffrey o'connell on a study that contributed to the development of no-fault automobile insurance, later adopted by many states. under a no-fault system, damages below a certain level are paid by insurance companies, thus avoiding a determination of who was at fault.