Crisis Communications Conversations: Dave Poston in LMA Mid-Atlantic Region Newsletter

In a recent interview with Leslie Valenza, media and communications consultant and editor of the Legal Marketing Association’s Mid-Atlantic Region Newsletter, Poston Communications CEO Dave Poston talks all things crisis communications, breaking down the most practical elements of an effective crisis plan as part of law firm business strategy.

“Crisis planning is sort of like software training,” Poston explains. “It’s usually easier to accomplish when working with an actual scenario that individuals involved can imagine happening to them. Thus, ranking scenarios is one of the best starting points of crisis planning.”

Narrowing the conversation to specific advice for law firms, Poston provides key scenarios that firms should be prepared for. These include malpractice lawsuits, mergers, accidents, poorly received political statements, harassment claims and other sticky situations. He also suggests that as part of this planning process, firms should consider goals for their culture, mission and vision. To be effective, crisis communications plans must align with the firm’s values.

“As you rank your crisis scenarios, consider where your firm stands on these issues,” Poston explains. “It’s more important to stand by what you believe in than to alter it simply because you’re getting pressure from the media.”

For Poston, successfully handling a crisis boils down to four important measures.

“Be humble, empathetic and committed to communicating,” he concludes. “Be honest. And keep communicating throughout, after and beyond the crisis situation.”

For the complete article, click here.