Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Business Crimes BulletinKickerFeaturesSectionsNewsLJN Newsletters

When Image Is Everything: PR Firms in White Collar Cases

By Steven F. Reich
August 01, 2003

You are a public figure whose ability to earn a living depends upon your reputation for integrity and talent. Almost without warning, you become caught up in a highly publicized business scandal that threatens your livelihood and public image. The media's fascination with the details of the scandal has caused a public furor and led federal officials to open parallel criminal and civil investigations. You hear rumors that a Congressional committee is about to hold public hearings. You need help – and fast.

Although you are a sophisticated businessperson who deals with lawyers all the time, you have never been in trouble before and don't know many criminal defense lawyers. While your corporate counsel gathers recommendations, you turn immediately to your longstanding public relations firm and engage them to fight back in the court of public opinion. To get them up to speed, you tell them the true story behind what has been reported in the press. Days later, you finally hire a criminal defense lawyer and tell her the same version of events. When she asks whether you have told this tale to anyone else you say “only to my PR firm.” Your lawyer turns green and looks for the nearest window to jump out. She then explains that you have made a terrible mistake because nothing you said to your PR advisers is privileged.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bankruptcy Sales: Finding a Diamond In the Rough Image

There is no efficient market for the sale of bankruptcy assets. Inefficient markets yield a transactional drag, potentially dampening the ability of debtors and trustees to maximize value for creditors. This article identifies ways in which investors may more easily discover bankruptcy asset sales.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

Risks of “Baseball Arbitration” in Resolving Real Estate Disputes Image

“Baseball arbitration” refers to the process used in Major League Baseball in which if an eligible player's representative and the club ownership cannot reach a compensation agreement through negotiation, each party enters a final submission and during a formal hearing each side — player and management — presents its case and then the designated panel of arbitrators chooses one of the salary bids with no other result being allowed. This method has become increasingly popular even beyond the sport of baseball.

Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel Image

'Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel is a continuation of the discussion of client expectations and the disconnect that often occurs. And although the outside attorneys should be pursuing how inside-counsel actually think, inside counsel should make an effort to impart this information without waiting to be asked.