Litigation communications is the strategic management of messaging and communications in connection with a government investigation, litigation, or enforcement action. It sits at the intersection of law, media, and reputation management, helping companies and organizations protect their credibility, manage risk, and influence perceptions of a legal matter while it plays out. Effective litigation communications ensures that what’s being said publicly about a litigation matter aligns with and complements the legal strategy.
In high profile matters, allegations made in the course of litigation do not stay confined to the legal arena. High-stakes litigation is often covered by media and discussed on social platforms, reaching consumers, investors, regulators, employees, and other key stakeholders. While media is often a primary audience for litigation communications, it is common to also focus on other key stakeholders including customers and investors, and employees, as well.
Why Litigation Communications Matters
In today’s nonstop media cycle, silence can be as damaging as saying the wrong thing. Journalists, advocates, and opponents may shape the narrative related to a litigation long before a case reaches a court. Effective litigation communications helps:
- Safeguard reputation and brand value,
- Prevent misinformation from taking hold,
- Maintain stakeholder trust during periods of uncertainty,
- Advance a narrative that support a company’s defense theory or case,
- Support long-term business, policy, and regulatory objectives.
The goal of litigation communications is not argue the case in public. Rather, it is to avoid serious damage in the court of public opinion that can harm the reputation of a company and its product(s), and push back against a narrative that can impair the ability to get a fair trial.
Litigation Communications at a Glance
A strong litigation communications strategy is bespoke to the matter at hand, and is closely coordinated with legal counsel, communications, and other relevant business functions. It often includes:
- Strategic Counsel – Developing an overall approach for the communications that defines the posture, key audiences, messaging, tripwires, vulnerabilities to manage and more, and scenario plans for major developments and milestones.
- Messaging Development: Crafting clear, consistent, and factually grounded messages that align with the legal strategy and are relevant to the coverage or potential coverage of the matter.
- Media Relations & Narrative Management: Engaging with reporters, responding to inquiries, and shaping coverage.
- Scenario Planning & Crisis Management: Preparing for and managing moments of heightened media attention tied to litigation milestones, by preparing written materials, developing communication plans and cascades.
- Stakeholder Communications: Communications guidance for internal teams, investors, partners, regulators, and customers who need reassurance and clarity.
- Reputation Management: Monitoring online conversations and managing digital channels to prevent speculation and misinformation.
- Digital and Social Media Strategy: Content development and paid media execution and management.
- Executive & Spokesperson Preparation: Media training and message discipline for leaders who may be speaking publicly during ongoing litigation.
Why Vision360 Partners?
Vision360 Partners is a nationally recognized litigation communications firm with decades of experience helping companies, law firms, and organizations navigate high-stakes legal disputes. We are pioneers in litigation communications, legal PR, and crisis communications, providing strategic counsel for complex, bet-the-company litigation, regulatory matters, and reputation management.
Our litigation communications practice is led by Founder and Managing Partner Bob Chlopak and Senior Vice President Caitlin Gullickson, both of whom have been recognized by Lawdragon on its prestigious “100 Global Leaders in Legal Strategy & Consulting” list.