When a legal dispute becomes front-page news, the legal process remains in the hands of judges and juries, but the broader narrative is shaped by headlines, social media conversations, investor calls, and internal employee discussions. In that kind of environment, relying on legal strategy alone is a risk most organizations simply can’t afford. Proactively shaping the narrative before filings are made can be the difference between controlling the story and chasing it.
Today’s media landscape makes that challenge more complex. Newsrooms across the country are understaffed, and reporters are stretched thin. Most don’t have the time to sift through thousands of pages of legal filings or follow court proceedings from gavel to gavel. And often, the only people busier than reporters are the lawyers litigating the case.
Experienced litigation communicators enable litigators to share their stories, and reporters to tell them. These communicators do far more than traditional PR: they become subject-matter experts who carefully review filings, understand the nuances of the legal process, and translate complex issues into accurate, accessible language for reporters and your key audiences.
This expertise becomes critical in high-profile litigation. When new information emerges during proceedings, legal allegations can significantly alter the perception and credibility of an individual, organization, or company – regardless of the ultimate legal outcome.
Even a favorable verdict may not protect your reputation. Judges and juries cannot prevent consumers from losing trust in a brand, community partners and donors from quietly distancing themselves, or employees from questioning leadership and organizational values. A defendant may win a case or secure a favorable settlement, yet still face reputational harm if damaging documents come to light. Similarly, a plaintiff may prevail at trial only to discover they’ve lost standing in their community. In high-profile litigation, perception is not always aligned with the legal outcome.
For example, we worked with many survivors of Harvey Weinstein. When his first New York conviction was overturned on procedural grounds in 2024, that technical ruling did not negate the overwhelming evidence and survivors’ testimony showing the harm he caused, rightfully resulting in lasting damage to his reputation.
Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant in a high-profile case, the reality is the same: you need a thoughtful, proactive communications strategy designed and executed by experienced litigation communicators. Without one, the opposing party likely has an edge – and media coverage may ultimately reflect that imbalance.
Our Approach: Aligning Legal Strategy with Public Strategy
The most effective litigation communications strategies are developed in lockstep with legal counsel. The strongest communicators are disciplined enough to stay on offense, while thoughtful enough to anticipate vulnerabilities and prepare for a range of possible scenarios before they unfold. You can’t short‑circuit a legal process, but you can influence media coverage by shaping the record, setting expectations, and preparing for what comes next.
Like any strategic communications effort, it begins with a clear understanding of the audience. Whether that audience is fellow survivors, families in a specific region, customers, employees, or shareholders, reaching them requires going beyond traditional legal media channels. It means engaging across the broader information ecosystem—national and local newspapers, television, radio, digital platforms, and social media – where opinions are shaped in real time.
At every stage, the communications strategy must remain closely aligned not only with the legal team but also with the court’s rules and the judge’s orders. Credibility is built through discipline, respect for the legal process, and strict adherence to legal rules.
At SKDK, we’ve supported survivors seeking to hold accountable some of America’s largest corporations and most well-connected individuals. We’ve also helped defendants who have been wrongly accused protect their reputations during intense scrutiny. In every case, success requires thoughtful communication strategies integrated with legal goals.
Whether you are a victim of injustice pursuing accountability, an organization working to protect your values and brand, or a leader facing unfounded allegations, navigating both a legal battle and a media firestorm requires more than legal expertise. A trusted communications advisor ensures that your story reaches the audiences whose perception can shape your future.
Kendra Barkoff Lamy is a Managing Director, and Kevin Gerson is a Senior Vice President at SKDK, advising clients on litigation communications and managing high-profile cases in the public eye.