1. The role of lawyers in a crisis
The relationship between communication professionals and lawyers in a crisis is always important, often challenging and sometimes fraught. It is key in protecting an organisation legally and reputationally. There is, as a result, a great deal to learn from the perceptions lawyers have about working alongside communication professionals at such times.
While a lot has been written about how lawyers contribute to crisis management, the report Crisis Counsel: What lawyers truly think of crisis communicators outlines the findings of a first of its kind study asking lawyers in different countries about their role in a crisis and how it integrates with that of the communication professional. In order to identify areas for improvement, and to make recommendations to executives, communications consultancy SenateSHJ and crisis management expert Dr Tony Jaques interviewed senior lawyers in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and Britain.