A lawsuit can damage your company’s brand and attract negative attention, whether the lawsuit comes from a customer or a former employee. It’s important to be prepared to win not only in the court of law but also in the court of public opinion.
After you and your legal team are notified of a lawsuit, you need to inform your communications team immediately. Good communicators will be happy to work with lawyers to create a plan and messaging that support your legal strategy.
What you communicate and when depends on the legal situation you’re facing. At times, staying silent protects your position; in other cases, engaging with the media and on social platforms ensures your side of the story is being told. Well-crafted, timely interactions on social media can help limit the spread of negative information. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” communications approach for a legal matter, so it’s important to have an experienced public relations team to support you.
After the lawsuit concludes, you’ll want to address any impact it had on your brand. Sometimes, the matter passes quickly, and you simply need to communicate with your employees and other key audiences. Other times, you need to proactively share information with the media to make sure they understand what happened and how you’re putting the matter behind you. Work with your legal team, human resources, and public relations teams to determine the best course of action.
Every legal situation is unique, and so is the right communications approach. Take the next step to protect your brand—contact Tucker/Hall now to see how our experienced team can help you successfully navigate litigation and safeguard your company’s reputation.
