Head to Head: Following a crisis, should you call the lawyers first?
In this series, Mumbrella invites the industry’s senior PR professionals to share their opposing views on the industry’s biggest issues. This week, Luis M Garcia, senior director at Cannings Strategic Communications, goes head to head with Daylight Agency’s David Begg on whether or not you should call the lawyers first after a crisis.
Many businesses can find it confusing when deciding who to call first after a crisis hits. Luis M Garcia argues the lawyers should always be rung, because they often have a longer-term perspective.
Begg says that although both the lawyers and communicators are an essential element in a crisis, the ideal situation is one where the two work hand-in-hand.
Yes, argues Luis M Garcia, senior director, Cannings Strategic Communications:
“When a crisis hits, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters? Not quite. Normally, it’s a choice between calling the expensive lawyers you always hoped you would never need – or ring the not quite as expensive crisis communications consultants you always thought exaggerated the risks to your business.
Really depends on the crisis doesn’t it? If you are a listed company and have reporting requirements then of course you call the lawyers. The PR people wait outside and work out how to spin whatever has to be done to make sure it doesn’t get work.
Worrying about marketing and communication before you worry about legals is a quick way to end up with more legal problems.
Are there any sources for the stats around stock price implications of poor crisis management?
Yes, there is. Scientific evidence and research. My students presented on just that this semester at UNSW. Happy to share