WHAT SHOULD INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES DO WITHIN 24 HOURS WHEN AN UNEXPECTED LEGAL ISSUE ARISES? 

Before taking a step in any direction, you must first determine what it is that is around you – what are the legal issues involved? Where is the cliff or the pitfall ahead, and how can it be avoided? Who can I trust to navigate this situation? No matter how fearful or intimidated one may be, the best decision, at the earliest stages of any crisis or legal issue, is to engage an experienced professional who can see clearly through the smoke and give good advice about a path forward. 

HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A PUBLIC OFFICIAL HELP YOUR CLIENTS DEAL WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS? 

Over my 8 years in public office, I saw the inner workings of government at every level – and learned firsthand how a crisis is managed, how decisions are made, and how to achieve great outcomes. Finding the right path forward does not happen by accident. It is the result of good communication, an innate ability to obtain and sift through needed information, and then knowing how best to communicate your desired outcome. These important skills are necessary, and you want an experienced, proven leader on your side when facing a crisis. 

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR FIRM WORK WITH COMPANIES AND BUSINESS ATTORNEYS? 

In my 26 year career, I have helped dozens of other attorneys and business professionals with problems that have grown too large for them to solve alone. Can litigation or prosecution be avoided? If not, what will that process look like, and how can it be managed? Not every business or legal practitioner is equipped for a fight. But if you find yourself in one, winning is always the preferred outcome. Find someone that can help you win the fight. 

WHAT IS PUBLIC RELATIONS CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND WHEN SHOULD YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS CONSIDER IT? 

If you are asking yourself if you may need public relations assistance, then the answer is yes — at least for a consultation. It could be for a personal issue for you or a family member, an employee gone rogue or maybe a call from law enforcement. These are all potential PR crisis situations that need plans in place for containment and management. 

Often individuals, businesses and government bodies are halfway through a public relations crisis before they start to address it. Proactively taking steps at the first sign of a potential crisis gives you the chance to manage — or hopefully avoid — a significant issue. This often means taking action in how you handle employee wrongdoing or self- reporting an issue to the proper authorities or regulators. 

These situations can escalate quickly so an early assessment and a containment plan can make all the difference. Pick up the phone so you can get advice when it matters most and you give yourself the best chance for a win-win resolution.