Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

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

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.

While your lawyer's analysis is absolutely correct, does that mean there is no way to get confidential help from a public relations expert in mounting your defense? Not necessarily. A recent decision by a federal judge in Manhattan is helping lawyers and clients understand the rules that govern how these issues should be resolved in high-profile white collar cases.

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
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Removing Restrictive Covenants In New York Image

In Rockwell v. Despart, the New York Supreme Court, Third Department, recently revisited a recurring question: When may a landowner seek judicial removal of a covenant restricting use of her land?

Fresh Filings Image

Notable recent court filings in entertainment law.