Leslie Thomas QC, who among other high-profile cases has represented 11 families of victims of the Hillsborough football stadium disaster, has warned that companies risk reputational damage if they always follow ‘what seems to be the right route legally.’ The London-based lawyer suggests that company leaders should seek advice from a range of professionals when faced with a crisis and listen to their own 'moral compass'.
He also believes that corporates should consider what happens ‘after the lawyers have gone’, when they may be left to pick up the pieces of the company, answer to shareholders and rebuild a shattered public image. ‘Therefore, it is crucial to look at the wider reputational impact. Sometimes it’s better to say sorry quickly, mean it and put what has gone wrong right than get tied up with months, sometimes years, of litigation’ he commented. What’s more, tackling a crisis with a big name law firm and silks can make a company appear ‘elusive and defensive.’ Source: City AM
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