Litigation PR – case-accompanying, strategic public relations
What sets us apart
- 1Communication aligned with the caseLitigation PR is public relations that accompanies proceedings. Every statement is aligned with the course of the case so that a win in court also holds up in public. It protects the reputation of the client and of the firm alike.
- 2Prepared instead of reactiveCommunication scenarios and a crisis plan are in place before the crisis arrives. That lets you react faster than the opposing side and keep the initiative. Neither can be produced once the pressure is on.
- 3Countering misinformation earlyIf your client is pushed into a corner by false information or campaigns — particularly on social media — before proceedings end, that shapes perception. Litigation PR counters this while the case is still running.
- 4Visible practiceWe are invited to speak at litigation PR panels and are interviewed in specialist media. Law Business has advised law firms and patent attorney firms exclusively since 2004, with offices in Germany, Italy and Austria.
What we do
Litigation PR is strategic public relations that accompanies proceedings and forms part of reputation management for companies and private individuals. A case is not only decided in court, it is also perceived in public: if misinformation or campaigns in the media and on social media set the narrative first, this reflects on both client and firm. We develop communication scenarios, define responsibilities, prepare a crisis plan and handle the operational media work — coordinated with the proceedings and with your representation strategy.
Communication scenarios
Prepared answers to media advances- We develop communication scenarios for the foreseeable stages of the case.
- This lets you react faster to media advances from the opposing side.
- Core messages are pre-formulated and match the current state of proceedings.
- The scenarios are coordinated with the procedural strategy.
- If the case or the coverage changes, they are updated.
Responsibilities and spokesperson roles
One voice externally and internally- We define the communication responsibilities within the mandate.
- Communication is uniform, externally and internally.
- It is clearly assigned who speaks to the media and who does not.
- Firm and client work with agreed wording.
- Contradictory statements during ongoing proceedings are avoided.
Crisis plan
Calm action when speed is required- We develop the crisis plan before the crisis occurs.
- Procedures, responsibilities and escalation levels are set in advance.
- In an emergency you react faster than the opposing side.
- You regain the initiative instead of merely following.
- Even under time pressure the approach stays on target.
Media relations
Press material and channels from one source- We produce press releases and the remaining communication documents.
- We manage the channels, from newspapers to social media.
- The strategic message is communicated in a coordinated way rather than in several versions.
- We support the coverage throughout the course of the case.
- Delivery stays with us, which keeps the case team free.
Social media and counter-campaigns
Acting where opinion is formed- We actively counter misinformation and campaigns.
- Particular attention goes to social media as a driver of public opinion.
- We respond while the case is running, not only after the verdict.
- This prevents your client from being pushed into a corner prematurely.
- All measures form part of the overall strategy of the case.
Spokesperson training
Performing in front of camera and microphone- We prepare the designated spokespeople for interviews and statements.
- Practice uses the scenarios that are realistic in the specific case.
- Agreed wording is rehearsed so it holds under pressure.
- We clarify which questions must stay unanswered and how that is communicated.
- On request we accompany appointments on site.
Frequently asked questions
How does litigation PR differ from conventional press work?
Litigation PR is tied to the course of the proceedings. Every statement is measured by its effect on the ongoing case and on the client's position. That is why communication scenarios, defined spokesperson roles and the crisis plan form the core — not reach for its own sake.
What does a crisis plan actually cover?
It sets out in advance what happens in an emergency: procedures, responsibilities and the order of the steps. Even under time pressure it is clear who decides, who speaks and which documents are ready. It complements the communication scenarios, which anticipate concrete media advances.
What does the media relations work include?
We produce press releases and the remaining communication documents and manage the channels, from newspapers to social media. The strategic message is communicated in a coordinated way rather than in diverging versions. Delivery stays with us, which keeps the case team free.
When should litigation PR start?
Before the coverage gains momentum. Communication scenarios and a crisis plan are useful precisely when they already exist and do not have to be produced under time pressure. Those who are prepared react faster than the opposing side and keep the initiative.
Who is litigation PR relevant for?
For proceedings involving companies and private individuals where public perception matters. We work with the firm running the mandate and support it in communicating on behalf of its client. The scope depends on the case, the level of public attention and the channels involved.
Who speaks to the media — the firm or the client?
We settle that at the outset and record it in writing. What matters is that only the designated people speak and that everyone works with the same agreed wording. On request we prepare the spokespeople for interviews and statements.
Why is communication needed while proceedings are still running?
If a client is pushed into a corner by false information or campaigns before proceedings end, that shapes public perception. Communicating only after the verdict means correcting an image that has long since settled. Throughout, communication stays coordinated with the procedural approach.