Litigation PR

“We don’t comment on matters involving litigation.”

This is something we hear all the time and would like to propose a counterpoint: Sometimes commenting is good. Not only that, but your decision to do so can have a large effect on your case, your client’s business, and how the public views that business.

When we discuss the PR aspects of any piece of litigation with our clients, our advice is to identify the moments in which they can articulate their case to the public and take advantage of them. These can include filing a suit, a motion to admit evidence, a motion for summary judgment, or testimony collected in a deposition that highlights a key part of the story they’re trying to tell.

One reason for doing this is that it gives you a chance to build and organize themes and generally prepare to present your case. As it turns out, speaking to reporters is a great way to prepare for speaking to a jury. More than that, however, speaking out gives you the chance to start telling your story in a way that benefits you and your case. This can serve as encouragement for plaintiffs and defendants who may not know about you or who have been a little reluctant to engage with you. It can also lend you credibility by associating your name with a specific area of practice.

Remember, litigation rarely exists in a vacuum, and can affect your organization in ways you might not anticipate. Companies and the people who represent them have an obligation to stakeholders and to the public to sustain confidence in the brand and the overall business. Making your case to the public through the media is a useful way to go about that.

We can help you craft your message. And with our years of experience working in both local and national news, as well as our extensive network of media contacts, we can help you identify the individuals and organizations you should be reaching out to.