In today’s economy, lawyers need to provide their clients with more than just legal services. They can position clients to avoid litigation, minimize risk and protect their reputation, by blending law, policy, politics and strategic communications to provide clients an integrated approach to resolving or avoiding legal problems.
Equipping attorneys with the wherewithal to communicate with the public will provide law firms with new channels to cross-sell services and maintain core clients by expanding into new areas to complement a variety of practice groups. Crisis and media management represents not just an ancillary service that lawyers can provide their clients but also represents a critical component of a successful legal strategy.
In addition, companies today face increased challenges from regulatory and legislative authorities. And attorneys need to become more aware of how they can use the legislative and regulatory process to improve their client’s position.
But many lawyers are uncomfortable offering their clients counsel in approaching the media or talking with legislators. But when the damage is done publicly the legal outcome becomes irrelevant.
If lawyers are uncomfortable in stepping out of the box and expand their practice then they need to develop the relationships to wrap a team around their clients to proactively work together in the best interests of their clients.
