Challenge
We were hired after the client had been hit by a multi-billion dollar compensatory and punitive damages award. Until the verdict, the media had ignored the case. As a result, all the subsequent media coverage focused on the size of the award while assuming the truth of the allegations against the company.

Solution
Our litigation communication team was brought in to bring some balance to the coverage in advance of post-trial motions. The E&A team changed the terms of the debate, refocusing it on rulings by the judge that prevented the company from putting on its complete defense. We worked with eminent third parties to formulate and disseminate the public policy arguments on our client’s side and with national organizations to set up conferences to discuss litigation abuses.

Result
Articles that appeared before and after the post-trial motions were generally balanced and helped garner positive coverage of the eventual appeal.