Public Relations Nightmares: Naive to Hope They'll Destroy Your Enemy's Business (but they're so much fun)

"At (name of corporation name withheld) hundreds tore up their credit cards and thousands of others applied for one."

That's what a middle manager clued me in about a public relations nightmare for that oil company. What confirmed they were passing along credible intel was that the financial performance results were positive. No meltdown in profit or revenue.

That same pattern could wind up playing out in the sustained tarring and feathering those law firms which have made deals with the Trump administration and those which are in any way associated with it. Today's example is the Reddit Law posting seeking input on:

"... which firms have been honorable/dishonorable ..." 

Paul Weiss, of course, is on the list of the dishonorable. So is Skadden. 

So far, Paul Weiss hasn't taken a hit in loss of clients or partners. It's too early for a diaspora to break loose at Skadden. Sure, two associates left Skadden and issued manifestos but that seems a mere public relations drama. Such high-vibration activity is fun. And I have a hunch a good time seems to be had by all, especially those departing. In the early 1970s that was labeled as "mau-mauing."

If the dishonorable among law firms suffer a financial setback it will probably be because of external factors such as not-the-expected uptick in M&A and other transactional practices, an uncertain global economy and recession fears. Not the public relations. The services provided involve big-stake business matters. It's in the interest of clients who have been pleased with the results to stay put.

Meanwhile, no question, the firms' CMOs such as Luke Ferrandino have to be very visible, including internally, with firehoses putting out the wildfires. That's demanded. 

In other contexts, a whisper campaign, a controversy, a scandal, a loss in litigation can deliver a blow to the bottom line as well as the stock price if the entity is public. Even destroy the business and the employability of its workers as with Enron.

And, yes, brilliant public relations can be a game-changer. It's been said that's why we have come respect even like Queen Camilla. 

In general perception is nothing to fool around with. I recommend to clients caution. That's what the public relations industry counts on. A PR retrofit can be expensive. Some law firms might have to take on that expense. It's mandated. 

Have to change? As your intuitive career coach/tarot reader I guide you in transitions. Clients range from lawyers to teachers to entrepreneurs to the trades to new graduates. Free confidential consultation. If we work together, fees are what you can afford. To connect: Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). In-person and remote.