Reputation & Crisis Management

Q: Is it possible to repair my reputation?

Generally, yes. Reputations are won and lost in a crisis. Many times, how a person reacts when their reputation is on the line is what saves and rebuilds the person’s reputation. If, for example, there is a YouTube video haunting you or some unflattering posts on social media, we can probably help. If you’re Harvey Weinstein, we likely cannot help. Every situation is unique, and we utilize multiple strategies to help those in crisis repair their reputations and prevent future damage.

Services

Collaborating with a team of criminal, education and employment lawyers, as well as in-house communications professionals, KJK’s Reputation Management team works to preserve, defend and repair the reputation and character of clients in crisis who have been tried in the court of public opinion or find themselves victims of cancel culture.

DEFENDING THOSE IN CRISIS

We work with students and professionals accused of sexual harassment, various forms of sexual misconduct, rape, racism, scientific and/or research misconduct and other forms of misconduct, including through the internet and social media. We have also represented executives and other employees who have been accused of workplace wrongdoing and misconduct, including sexual harassment, employment discrimination, workplace violence and financial improprieties.

FIGHTING CANCEL CULTURE

Sadly, more and more of our clients have been tried in the court of public opinion through social media and have fallen victim to cancel culture. We have watched careers – including academic – ruined and reputations destroyed by a simple tweet, post or comment online. Many times, accusers have even used posts that threaten to file a charge in the criminal justice system as a scare tactic to prevent our clients from pursuing their careers or education.

INDIVIDUALIZED STRATEGY

Recognizing that no two cases are the same, we treat every client’s case as a unique situation requiring a customized approach. Together, our experienced team of professionals crafts a highly individualized strategy to effectively navigate crisis situations and rebuild and repair the damaged reputation of our clients. We are equipped to handle any challenges that may arise as your situation plays out, and utilize a flexible approach to pivot as needed.

Defending your reputation is important:

We take a Collaborative Approach.

In the past, we have served as student advisors in Title IX hearings, defense attorneys for criminal prosecutions and employment lawyers handling severance negotiations when careers are threatened. All of these proceedings that threaten the reputations, careers and liberty of our accused clients require diplomacy and precision. In these cases, our Reputation Management attorneys work together with a team of criminal, education and employment lawyers to mount an offensive to preserve the reputation of our clients. We first try to cooperate with the employer to resolve the issues. If that can’t be done, we often send a strongly worded cease and desist letter. Other times, we file defamation actions in state and federal courts. When we file suit, we ask that the court provide both injunctive and monetary relief. In some situations, we ask the perpetrators of defamatory remarks to post apologies on sites where our clients were defamed.

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How We Can Help

Strategic Crisis Navigation Guidance
Communications Strategy
Legal Guidance
Defamation Lawsuits
Cease & Desist Letters
Filing Defamation Actions
Message Development & Delivery
Media Strategy & Media Relations
Media Training & Interview Prep
Media Monitoring
Reputation Repair Planning & Guidance

“From day one, Kristina and Susan helped me navigate cancel culture at my college by providing expert advise and support. They led with empathy every step of the way, and I highly recommend reaching out to them immediately when encountering cancel culture.”

– Former Client

Reputation Management
Frequently Asked Questions

What does a reputation management firm do?

In today’s digital world, with social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) so much a part of our lives, a person’s reputation—good or bad—exists indefinitely. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only one act to tarnish it. Cancel culture is becoming more and more prevalent. We assist clients with protecting and rebuilding their personal reputations through traditional legal and non-legal methods. Together, we first develop a game plan based on your unique situation and strategize and then execute. We take a flexible approach, enabling us to pivot and help you navigate any unexpected challenges that may arise and threaten your reputation or future.

Is it possible to repair my reputation?

Reputations are won and lost in a crisis. Many times, how a person reacts when their reputation is on the line is what saves and rebuilds the person’s reputation. If, for example, there is a YouTube video haunting you or some unflattering posts on social media, we can probably help. If you’re Harvey Weinstein, we likely cannot help. Every situation is unique, and we utilize multiple strategies to help those in crisis repair their reputations and prevent future damage.

How do I protect my reputation?

Before unflattering remarks, pictures and videos are released, we can proactively assist in preventing their release to the public. We can also strategize protective measures to minimize the impact that an unflattering post has on your reputation. The right approach is crucial, as is having the right team behind you.

Should I respond to inflammatory, false or accusatory posts on social media?

Social media platforms allow for the proliferation of false or accusatory posts. Before responding, it is important to think about the timing and substance of the response, which must be carefully crafted so as not to further inflame a situation or cause further damage to your reputation.

Someone is tagging my school, employer, athletic team, etc. in posts accusing me of wrongdoing. What should I do?

If you are being tagged in posts accusing you of wrongdoing, immediately contact a lawyer for assistance. We have seen many students lose academic and career opportunities due to unflattering and incorrect social media postings.

Can posts and/or tags be removed?

Yes. Generally posts and tags can be removed.

What about Instagram stories, Snapchat videos, or YouTube videos?

Generally, unflattering videos can be removed from social media and the internet as well.

What else can I do besides reporting posts or requesting they be removed?

Contact a lawyer to explore whether a cease and desist letter or legal action may be appropriate.

Is a public apology enough to repair my reputation?

Saying sorry is an important part of obtaining forgiveness and repairing your reputation, but it’s not the only component. An apology is often a step in the right direction, but it is just as important to continue moving in the right direction after the fact. It is also important that the apology be strategically crafted so that it doesn’t fall flat or potentially hurt your reputation and make the situation worse.

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter puts a person or business on notice that they are engaging in wrongful activity. The letter asks that the person or business cease the activity and desist from engaging in future similar activity or other legal action will be pursued.

What if the person does not stop despite repeated requests to do so?

Contact a lawyer to determine if legal action is warranted.

Can I sue?

Whether you and your lawyer decide to engage in litigation is a choice that you and your lawyer should discuss and make together.

We’re Here to protect your reputation:

Get in touch with us about your reputation management needs

How people perceive you is not something to play around with. Let our Reputation Management team work with you to mount an offensive to preserve your reputation and defend you against defamatory accusations.

Reputation Management

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