In today’s world, where reputation can make or break an organization, lawyers are often the first line of defense in navigating crises. Recognizing this, the King County Bar Association, headquartered in Seattle and representing nearly 5,000 legal professionals, invited Sound Counsel Crisis Communications to deliver a credited class for its members.
The class, titled “Crisis Communications: Advising Your Client in a Crisis,” focused on equipping attorneys with the tools and insights they need to guide their clients through public relations storms that could cause lasting reputational damage if mishandled.
Key Takeaways from the Class
The presentation shared actionable strategies that Sound Counsel uses to advise clients during high-stakes situations. Some of the primary tenets included:
- Don’t Lie: Honesty is the cornerstone of credibility. Misleading statements can cause irreparable harm to an organization’s reputation.
- Take Ownership: In a crisis, organizations must seize control of their narrative to avoid misinformation and speculation by dominating the public discourse.
- Accuracy Matters: Providing accurate information is essential for maintaining trust with stakeholders and the public.
- Act Quickly: Crises evolve rapidly, so timely responses are critical to managing public perception effectively.
Why this Matters for Lawyers
For many organizations, the first call in a crisis is to their legal counsel. Lawyers are uniquely positioned to guide their clients not only on legal matters but also on how to navigate public scrutiny effectively. This class provided practical insights into how attorneys can play a pivotal role in protecting their clients’ reputations while resolving legal challenges.
Sound Counsel Crisis Communications is honored to have had the opportunity to share its expertise with the King County Bar Association and to contribute to the professional growth of its members. With crises becoming increasingly complex in today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to integrate legal and communication strategies to safeguard an organization’s future.
