I M M E D I AT E RESPONSE
30 years of media law expertise, just a phone call away
frying pan
meet fire
The threat of hostile media attention is no longer a concern for only a few high-profile individuals and businesses. The press, emboldened by the recent Defamation Act is casting its net wider than ever, and the rumour mill has been turbo charged by social media. In this increasingly unforgiving environment anyone can find themselves at the centre of a storm, where leaving legal advice to the last resort is leaving it too late. Schillings Immediate Response places an experienced team of media lawyers just a phone call away at the first sign of trouble.
the principles
Press pause 01. Media specialism Being on the receiving end of a 4pm call from a journalist making allegations and demanding comment can feel like a lose-lose situation. Say the wrong thing and the issue may snowball, say nothing and your silence will be taken as guilt. Without knowing the nuances of the law in this area it’s all too easy to be pushed into a snap decision. With a proper understanding of the rules of engagement however, there’s no need to fall into the ‘no comment’ trap. We employ a number of techniques to create breathing space between a rock and a hard place, allowing for a swift but considered response.
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02. Established reputation Even the best of friends fall out sometimes. For anyone with a public profile a love-hate relationship with the media is often a fact of life. If you do hit a rocky patch we can have the difficult conversations on your PR representatives’ behalf. With a well-respected reputation in this area we make it clear you won’t be pushed around, whilst ensuring hard-earned relationships remain intact.
It’s good to know
a bad cop Immediate Response
A good result doesn’t mean goodbye
03. Post-publication services Our first objective will always be to prevent publication or broadcast of unfavourable stories altogether, but this won’t be possible in every case. In the event an article does go to press we will have worked to ensure all of the relevant caveats and clarifications are in place. But in a world where news can be syndicated from London to Lahore in a matter of hours you can’t be sure these will be respected across the board. Our post publication services find and appropriately address any follow-up pieces. We can also employ the latest cyber forensics techniques to make sure the anonymity of the blogosphere doesn’t provide a shield for further mudslinging.
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04. Track record of innovation During 30 years in media law Schillings has not only led the sector but done more than any other firm to define and shape it. From the landmark ruling that established the right to privacy in England, to pioneering work on social media, we’re behind the cases other firms now cite. As new communications technologies pose new threats to privacy and reputation, we continue to pursue the legal innovations that will keep you one step ahead.
We play by the rules
we helped to write them after all Immediate Response
our offer
Phase One: PRE-PUBLICATION
01.
02.
The most important stage in any media handling process is the first ‘golden’ hour. That’s why our team is available 24 hours a day via a dedicated phone line. When the call does come in our first priority is to buy as much time as possible to formulate a water tight response. During this time we’ll make an assessment of the proposed content asking several key questions:
Armed with the information gathered in the assessment phase, our primary goal is to prevent publication altogether.
Assessment
• • • • •
Is it defamatory? Does it contain sensitive information? Does it breach privacy? Does it breach confidentiality? Does it breach anyone’s IP?
Immediate Response
DEFENCES
We’ll move quickly to send out legal notices and apply for injunctions where necessary.
Phase two: POST-PUBLICATION
03.
04.
When dealing with an article that has already gone to publication we do everything within our power to have it taken down.
In the event that it is not possible to prevent publication or have the article removed we’ll make sure it goes to press with adequate caveats in place. Our post-publication services guarantee this hard work is not undone by followup articles.
remedies
Where the identity of the publisher is unknown, for example on a third party website or blog, we’ll undertake investigations to uncover it.
the aftermath
We use media monitoring to track the progress of a story from a tweet to a broadsheet, obtaining corrections and apologies where necessary. We’ll also offer continued support for your PR and communications team in dealing with the media.
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LET’S START TALKING BEFORE THEY DO...
The Resilience Suite Schillings 41 Bedford Square London WC1B 3HX T +44 (0)20 7034 9000 www.schillings.co.uk
■ Data Breach SWAT Team ■ Immediate Response ■ Digital Privacy ■ Reputation Radar ■ Counter Strike ■ Encased