HOW TO RESTORE A DAMAGED REPUTATION IN A COURT CASE
Challenge
In 2013, a case involving two people of recognised prestige - one with great economic and social power and influence, and the other anonymous but with great professional prestige - hit the media.
By the time the case reaches PROA, six years have passed in which the media have only reported one side's side of the story, and the reputation of the other side has been badly damaged. Our client asks us to help him get his side of the story out and restore his personal and professional reputation.
Two priorities are set:
- Drafting a reputation report establishing parameters to be measured and intangible elements that need to be analysed and assessed.
- Develop a communication strategy and action plan to restore the reputation of the damaged party and anticipate future damaging situations.
Solution
A strategy was devised based on making our client's side of the story known, regaining the trust of stakeholders and generating credibility without, under any circumstances, entering into controversy or attacking the other party.
- Generation of a triangle of trust and a joint lawyer-client-professional PROA litigation communication strategy.
- Personal contacts with court reporters from all media to make our client's side of the story known. Educational and confidence-building work.
- Meetings with opinion leaders or media directors.
- The litigation communication professional organises the rotations and who should participate in each meeting, as well as the topics to be covered in each meeting.
Results
Within 48 hours, the first publication was published with objective and favourable elements for our client. In the following months, all the media published favourable objective milestones. In some cases, the same media outlet published articles with different journalists, reporting both versions. The results in the legal process were progressing positively. Our client did not lose any of its customers, and was able to restore its reputational image.