Tag: Litigation

Attorneys cannot underestimate the power of video and photos when telling their clients’ stories

Bottom line: When appropriate, attorneys should consider using videos and photos to help their clients engage the Court of Public Opinion. Just like in advertising and just like in marketing, when it comes to the news media and attempts to secure publicity from the news media, videos and photos are visual components to a story… Read More Attorneys cannot underestimate the power of video and photos when telling their clients’ stories

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Media-savvy attorneys employ THIS mindset to become trusted resources for reporters

Bottom line: Attorneys who help reporters tell their stories are likely to find that such assistance will pay dividends in the short term and the long term for both those attorneys and their clients. There is a mindset that most media-savvy attorneys have. It is a mindset that you should adopt if you too want… Read More Media-savvy attorneys employ THIS mindset to become trusted resources for reporters

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Can lawyers be too zealous when advocating for clients?

Bottom line: There is zealous advocacy. And then there is defamation. Lawyers must be cognizant of the fine line that separates the two. “A lawyer must also act with commitment and dedication to the interests of the client and with zeal in advocacy upon the client’s behalf.” — Comment on Rule 1.3 of the American Bar Association’s… Read More Can lawyers be too zealous when advocating for clients?

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MGM Resorts sues Las Vegas shooting victims, gets crash course in the Court of Public Opinion

Bottom line: In high-profile legal disputes, lawyers for all parties must be ready to explain themselves when they execute a legal strategy or tactic that could be misinterpreted by the public and the media—or to capitalize when their adversaries are being attacked for such strategies or tactics. Marc Sanchez — Icon Sportswire/Getty Images In newsworthy legal disputes,… Read More MGM Resorts sues Las Vegas shooting victims, gets crash course in the Court of Public Opinion

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Make it easy for reporters to do their jobs. You will likely be rewarded for doing so.

Bottom line: The easier a lawyer makes it for a reporter to report on the lawyer or the lawyer’s client, the more likely the reporter is to do so. Early in my legal career, I remember a partner at my law firm telling me that in order to prevail in any lawsuit, we must make… Read More Make it easy for reporters to do their jobs. You will likely be rewarded for doing so.

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“What’s a press embargo?” What lawyers and law firms need to know about press/media embargoes

Bottom line: In certain instances, a “press embargo” or “media embargo” can be a useful tool for lawyers when dealing with upcoming developments in high-profile legal disputes, including the filing of a new lawsuit. Last week, I had sole responsibility for generating media coverage of a press conference announcing a federal civil rights lawsuit filed… Read More “What’s a press embargo?” What lawyers and law firms need to know about press/media embargoes

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The Tinder/Bumble litigation shows how lawsuits can be means to non-legal ends

Bottom Line: Not every lawsuit is filed for the purposes of obtaining a legal remedy. Lawyers involved in such lawsuits should have a strategy for engaging the Court of Public Opinion. (Image: Drew Anthony Smith for The New York Times) In some instances, a legal dispute or litigation will be the way for people or organizations… Read More The Tinder/Bumble litigation shows how lawsuits can be means to non-legal ends

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The Three Questions Attorneys MUST Ask Reporters When They Call

Bottom line: When a reporter calls, an attorney will almost certainly not be in a position to immediately provide the reporter with a meaningful response. Asking three specific questions will help attorneys get the information they need to develop such a response. “What are you working on?” “How can I help you?”“When is your deadline?” Reporters… Read More The Three Questions Attorneys MUST Ask Reporters When They Call

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A defendant’s public statements about a lawsuit should actually address the allegations in that…

Bottom line: Public statements about lawsuits that do not address the allegations in those lawsuits lack credibility and are not persuasive. Image credit: Ashford University Last week, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced that California was suing for-profit college Ashford University and its parent company Bridgepoint Education for allegedly engaging in unlawful business practices. The… Read More A defendant’s public statements about a lawsuit should actually address the allegations in that…

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