The Bigger They Are The More Column Inches They Get - Above the Law

"Within our ranks, some attorneys want not only a low profile but no profile in the media, social or otherwise. But many have no trouble when it comes to getting and retaining clients. There are others who have a modest presence on line and may do some advertising, and then there are those who have a gigantic media presence of their own making, be it radio or television advertising, billboards, call centers, or any other means to reach the public."

"However, regardless of our personal preferences for publicity, I think we have all cautioned clients to beware of landing on a newspaper's (yes, some still do exist) front page. Rarely does anything good ever come of that. Just ask California disbarred attorney Tom Girardi, whose front page LA Times stories of a few years ago, eventually landed him in prison and resulted in well-deserved shakeups in the State Bar of California's discipline processes."

"Why is this news? The Downtown LA Law Group has represented many clients in Los Angeles County's $4 billion (not a typo) settlement of thousands of sexual abuse cases in various county government facilities. Juvenile sexual abuse victims spanned decades, especially at various probation department facilities and at McLaren Children's Center, a facility where sexual abuse was common, and which was finally closed in 2003."

Attorneys display a spectrum of media presence ranging from none to extensive self-created campaigns using radio, television, billboards, call centers, and online advertising. Public exposure can aid client acquisition but also increases reputational and disciplinary risk, especially when matters reach newspaper front pages. High-profile publicity has previously contributed to criminal charges and professional discipline. A plaintiff personal injury firm represented many clients in Los Angeles County’s roughly $4 billion settlement of thousands of sexual abuse claims involving juvenile placements in probation facilities and McLaren Children's Center. Victims suffered decades of abuse, profound trauma, and some facilities were ultimately closed.

Read at Above the Law