When a client is caught in the crosshairs of public outrage—whether it’s a controversial decision, a safety incident, or a viral rumor—the reflex is often to explain, defend, or push back. But in high-stakes, emotionally charged situations, that instinct can backfire.
This CLE seminar offers attorneys a strategic framework for managing crisis communications when the pressure is on and the spotlight is harsh. Hennes shows how to turn volatility into opportunity—and safeguard your client’s most valuable uninsured asset: their reputation.
You’ll learn:
- Why “fight or flight” responses often escalate a crisis—and what to do instead
- How to shape public perception when legal facts alone won’t carry the day
- Practical tools for advising clients under intense scrutiny, including when not to speak
- How to build trust and credibility with stakeholders while protecting legal interests
Our speaker for this seminar is Bruce Hennes, CEO of Hennes Communications, one of only 20 firms in the U.S. ranked in the category of Crisis PR and Communications by Chambers and Partners. Hennes Communications serves nearly 200 clients a year in virtually every market sector imaginable – including government agencies, hospitals, schools, nursing homes and nonprofit organizations, as well as law firms and their clients - most of which are “on trial” in the Court of Public Opinion. Some of those clients include Goodyear, American Public Power Association, ThyssenKrupp, Avery Dennison and Kent State University.
Bruce is one of just a few non-attorneys in the U.S. serving on the board of a major metropolitan bar association. As such, he’s been on the board of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association for 17 years and on that bar association’s executive committee for 15 years. He is also an assistant professor at the Scripps School of Communications at Ohio University and a longtime member of the faculty for the Ohio State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy. A four-time keynoter at ABA conferences, Bruce has done similar presentations for the International Municipal Lawyers Association, the National Association of Bar Executives, DRI, the Maritime Lawyers Association, the Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Texas and West Virginia State Bar Associations.
This fast-paced session will give you actionable insights you can put to use immediately—whether advising clients, managing your own firm’s reputation or navigating today’s 24/7 media and social media landscape.
1.50 CLE Hours