Crisis Management & PR
When reputation is on the line, or a case needs the country to hear it
Two things bring firms to this work. A threat — adverse publicity, a regulatory problem, a story about to break the wrong way. Or an opportunity — a case where the family wants the public to understand what happened, and the right media strategy turns a verdict into change. I've handled both, at national level, for thirty years.
Case-led media relations
Some of the most important legal work never reaches the public unless someone makes it. An inquest verdict, a Prevention of Future Deaths report, a finding of systemic failure: on its own it can pass unnoticed. Handled properly, it reaches the front pages, raises questions in Parliament, and changes the law.
I worked with the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse through her inquest and the campaign that followed, which led to Natasha's Law. I ran the media for the family of Ben Parkinson, which helped force changes to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. This is media relations built around the family's wishes and the firm's objectives, delivered with care for people going through the worst time of their lives.
Rapid response when it goes wrong
When a firm faces adverse publicity or a regulatory challenge, the first 24 hours decide how the story runs. I provide rapid response: a clear narrative, disciplined media handling, stakeholder communications, and a steady hand while the noise is loud.
The work is calm, specific and senior. No panic, no holding statements that make it worse, and direct contact with the journalists and editors who decide what gets covered and how.
What's involved
- Inquest and high-profile case media strategy
- National media relations and journalist liaison
- Rapid response to adverse publicity
- Stakeholder and family communications
- Strategic narrative control under regulatory scrutiny
Who this is for
Claimant firms running cases that deserve national attention, and any firm facing a reputational or regulatory threat.
Proof
Where this has delivered
2019 · Leigh Day
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse — Natasha’s Law
From tragedy to legislative change
Read case study2007 · Irwin Mitchell
Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE
The fight for justice for Britain’s most injured soldier
Read case studyNovember 2022 · Watson Woodhouse
NHS England Mental Health Deaths
Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore
Read case studyCommon questions
Frequently asked
How quickly can you respond to a breaking issue?
Immediately. Crisis work is time-critical and I take a small number of clients precisely so I can move the moment something breaks. The first call is about getting ahead of the story, not booking a meeting for next week.
We have a sensitive inquest coming up. When should we involve you?
Before it starts, ideally weeks ahead. The strategy, the family's wishes, the relationships with journalists and the materials all need to be in place before the verdict lands. Coming in after the fact means working with whatever coverage already exists.
Do you work directly with bereaved families?
Yes, and carefully. Much of this work involves people going through profound loss. The media plan always follows the family's wishes and the firm's objectives, never the other way round.
Ready to talk strategy?
Start with a conversation. No obligation, no pitch deck — just a direct discussion about what your firm needs.