Election years are rife with opportunities for law firms and attorneys to position themselves as thought leaders and engage in vital public discussions. To effectively navigate this politically charged period, attorneys must take into account several key considerations, leveraging real-world examples to make their message resonate.

Striking a Balance Between Local and National Focus

Balancing local and national election topics is paramount for attorneys seeking media engagement during an election year. By positioning local insights within the broader national context, attorneys can contribute meaningfully to the wider discourse surrounding election-related legal issues and establish themselves as go-to sources on those topics.

For instance, a criminal defense attorney could offer insights into local election initiatives aimed at criminal justice reform, providing tailored analysis to the specific city or region on how these proposals might impact the community’s legal landscape. Simultaneously, the attorney could contribute to the national conversation by discussing the broader implications of such reforms in the context of national criminal justice policies or constitutional law. Similarly, a corporate law expert could address both local business interests and national economic policies during an election year by analyzing how proposed tax reforms at the federal level could affect businesses in the local region.

Understanding Regulatory Impact

Election outcomes often herald significant shifts in regulatory frameworks at both the local and national levels. By showcasing their understanding of the regulatory implications of election outcomes, attorneys can position themselves as trusted advisors capable of helping clients navigate uncertainty and adapt to changing legal environments.

For example, a tax law specialist could provide insights into the potential ramifications of different candidates’ tax proposals. This analysis could center on how proposed changes to corporate tax rates, deductions, or credits could impact businesses and individuals, offering strategic insight on tax planning or compliance measures in anticipation of regulatory changes. A securities law attorney could discuss the implications of election results for financial markets and regulatory oversight by the federal government, while a labor and employment lawyer could analyze the potential impact on workplace regulations and labor rights.

Offering Expert Commentary, Not Partisan Opinions

Partisan politics are often widely on display during an election year as pundits on both sides of an issue express their preferred positions. By establishing attorneys as informed experts rather than partisan pundits, they can provide nuanced insights into potential election outcomes and their legal implications – addressing the possible impacts of both sides of an issue. By analyzing the landscape and discussing factual potential outcomes, attorneys can offer valuable contributions to the discourse without getting mired in political biases.

Harnessing Election Law Expertise

Given the propensity for tight election outcomes and potential litigation, attorneys have an opportunity to address late litigation considerations. From the electoral college to local run-off rules, attorneys can provide much-needed detail for the discussion while adding practicality and valuable insights into the complexities of election law. This extends to other election topics, such as electoral finance restrictions and ballot-related laws, that offer opportunities to showcase expertise and demystify complex legal frameworks.

Engage Meaningfully in the Public Discourse

This election year, attorneys can play a vital role in fostering a legally informed electorate. By illuminating complex issues without inflaming tensions, attorneys can help the public scrutinize candidates’ policies through an impartial judicial lens. Attorneys should aim to nurture the public’s understanding of how laws impact society, separating facts from political rhetoric.

Ultimately, attorneys can elevate election discourse by harmonizing deep legal knowledge with an unbiased, statespersonlike approach. Their role is to educate, not inundate – sharing legal insights objectively and positioning themselves as respected voices shaping society’s legal foundations.

Dave Poston, Esq. is the CEO and general counsel and Kaden Jacobs, APR, is a vice president at Poston Communications, one of the nation’s few Chambers-ranked public relations agencies in both crisis and litigation public relations. The agency works directly with legal departments and company executives and also partners with law firms in guiding many of the nation’s leading companies.

Reprinted with permission from the April 5, 2024 issue of Law.com. © 2024 ALM Media Properties, LLC. Further duplication without permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited, contact 877-257-3382 or reprints@alm.com.