How we handle incoming press enquiries about clients
What happens when a journalist contacts us looking for comment on a client.
We do not confirm or deny.
Client confidentiality is structural for our practice. We do not confirm or deny that a named individual is a client. We do not discuss the existence of any specific engagement. Our standard response to any press enquiry naming an individual is to neither confirm nor deny the existence of a working relationship.
We notify the client.
If a press enquiry has been received about a named client, the client is told. The notification is on the encrypted channel within the hour for Standing and Reserve, and within the day for Cover. The notification includes the enquiry, the journalist, and the outlet.
We do not act as a comment-coordination service.
Some clients have a press team or counsel they want to route enquiries through. If that is in place at onboarding, we route accordingly. If it is not, we forward the enquiry to the client and let them decide what to do. We do not advise on press strategy.