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High-profile cases and the media
By Kathryn Keneally
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White-Collar Crime columns.
We are back in the era of the high-profile defendant, media-event
arrests, the public perp walk of gentlepersons in business suits,
prosecutor press conferences, and the issuance of press releases
describing indictments in advance of contacts to defense counsel
concerning their clients’ fates. This column is not intended to address
the propriety of such conduct by the government, only to acknowledge its
occurrence and its increase. Prevention is not an option. At issue is
how best to address a client’s interests when faced with a possible
media storm.
I recently participated in a panel program where speakers a wide range
of views. Some counseled silence toward the media, leaving the case to
be tried in the court. Others expressed the strong view to get out in
front of and control the story. The answer, it seems, is to consider the
needs of the particular case and client.
As a rule, counsel should have a consistent and credible approach that
serves the client
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