Reputation on trial – James Lynch writes in New Law Journal

Partner James Lynch has recently written for New Law Journal, exploring the critical role of public relations experts in high-stakes litigation.

With English courts continuing to attract high-value commercial litigation from around the world, and legal services contributing over £60 billion to the UK economy, James explores how the reputational exposure facing litigants – particularly corporates and high-profile individuals – has never been higher.

Litigation PR specialists now routinely work alongside legal teams to ensure that communications, press engagement, and media monitoring are handled with the same care as witness statements and pleadings.

James highlights how early involvement enables litigation PR advisors to:

• Identify reputational weak points before they escalate

• Advise on the likelihood of reporting restrictions or privacy orders

• Counter misinformation or provide clarifications in real time

• Shape public narrative around sensitive or technical claims

The days of treating litigation as a purely legal process are over. Whether defending a group action, handling a sensitive employment dispute, or facing shareholder scrutiny, successful litigation now depends on winning across legal, reputational, and strategic dimensions.

Read James’ article in New Law Journal, here.