High-profile litigation involves not just the defense of the legal claim but also the protection of the client’s public image. The normal orientation of defense counsel is toward protecting information from disclosure, but where a case has aroused public or media interest, a narrow focus on preventing disclosure can have broad negative effects outside the scope of the litigation itself. In cases of that type it is wise for defense counsel to retain public relations counsel to assist with the public relations aspects of the defense. Public relations counsel can coordinate public relations efforts with defense counsel in a way that helps to protect the client’s public reputation without jeopardizing the attorney client privilege.
