New Netflix Documentary ‘Trial by Media’ Highlights Litigation Public Relations, Crisis Communications and Winning In the Court of Public Opinion

The trailer starts with a voiceover, “I found out early on as a lawyer, it doesn’t matter about the law. It’s about being able to tell a story.”

Our litigation PR and crisis team at Poston Communications will no doubt be watching Netflix’s upcoming, six-episode documentary that airs Monday, May 11 titled, ‘Trial by Media.’

It showcases some high-profile court cases and talks about the drama and the theatre behind trials including the court of public opinion and its importance.

On this point, we really could not agree more.

At Poston, especially our Crisis and Litigation PR division, we are always asking our clients – what is your public relations and communications strategy? Along with your legal strategy, what is your litigation PR strategy? How will you talk about your case? How will you relay it to a broader audience?

Your communications strategy is in many ways just as important as your legal strategy – and really should be made in tandem with one another. Journalists are going to tell the story. In the void of information from your side, the other side’s message reigns.

Even if you do not intend for your case to become high-profile, there are plenty of people, fellow attorneys and journalists who will be interested, and planning for that is critical.

At Poston, we serve as communications counsel, helping clients plan, respond and advocate by working in tandem with legal teams to ensure attorney client privilege is not waived in the communications strategy.

Come Monday, it will fascinating to join others in the exploration of getting your public-facing message right. We will be watching!