Bettison Presents Crisis Communications for Lawyers CLE
On April 17, 2024, Stacy Bettison joined Professor David Cleveland and co-panelist Chris Schmitter ’13, Chief of Staff at the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan in an engaging conversation about why today’s lawyers need crisis communications skills and practical tips and tools on how to build these important skills. The CLE was hosted by the University of Minnesota Law School as part of its Spring Alumni Week, April 15-21, 2024.
Discussion points were:
- How crises that seemingly have no legal issue to them in the beginning, devolve into a legal crisis?
- How has the ‘digital age’ and social media impacted the way crises are managed? (i.e. it seems like the old phrase of ‘no comment’ no longer functions as there is a greater need to control your own story/message.
- General counsels of prominent corporations unanimously affirm that contemporary legal disputes unfold not only within the confines of the judicial system, but also on the vast canvas of public discourse. What role does the court of public opinion play in crisis management and what are the repercussions if your brand/message are tarnished (even if you ultimately win in court).
- Why do mistakes in crisis response keep happening?
- What are the keys to an effective crisis response?
- What is the best way to prepare for a crisis response?
- There is no Crisis Communications 101 class in law school. How can today’s lawyers build a skill set that prepares them for crisis management?
Stacy is a summa cum laude, Order of the Coif graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. She served as managing editor for the Minnesota Law Review and served three years on the Law Council, whose members are elected by the student body.
Visit our blog to see articles on topics that address many of these questions. Or contact Stacy Bettison today if you need support managing a crisis or other reputational issue.