The Intersection: Where the Court of Public Opinion and the Court of Law Collide

Joining Mike and Sallie on The Intersection this week is Josh Schiller, a partner in the San Francisco and New York offices of Boies Schiller Flexner. Josh has experience working in intellectual property law, securities, antitrust, entertainment, First Amendment, art and music law, civil rights, bankruptcy, and restructuring.Josh begins by recounting stories of his grandmother, affectionately called “Dr. Ruth” because of her work with couples, who he says inspired his legal career, and told him  “a fundamental education in law would open doors in any direction.” He discusses the media attention surrounding one of his more recent cases, representing the estate of George Carlin when his voice was used in an AI recreation and the problems posed when his voice is misappropriated.Josh also talks about how he educated the press and brought pressure on the Boy Scouts of America as part of a 2015 case to change a policy discriminating against the employment of any openly LGBTQ adults.About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode features Lance Etcheverry, a partner in the San Jose office of Skadden, Arps and superstar intellectual property law litigator. Lance has secured more than $2.5 billion for his clients on the plaintiff side, and absolved his clients of liabilities in excess of $1 trillion on the defense side.Some of his former clients include Hyundai, Kia Motors, and Samsung Electronics.Lance reminisces about cases he has worked on with Sitrick And Company and shares a few lessons he has working on cases that include a high-stakes spyware case, where protecting the company’s reputation was a top priority. He also shares how he came to work in law, pivoting after an injury that derailed his baseball career to graduate from Berkley Law School.  About a case he worked on with Mike and Sallie that involved a tech company that sued a competitor for theft of trade secrets, he says: “It was a little bit of a David versus Goliath. We were David and the other side was Goliath.” He also discusses his favorite cases, from working with the Walt Disney Company regarding the rights to Winnie the Pooh to a massive 137 count federal indictment for healthcare fraud in Las Vegas. About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“What is a reporter today? Is it a person who's got a podcast? Is it a person who's got a blog? In the tech space, which I work a lot in, there are all kinds of industry publications, and so it's not really clear who you can trust or not trust, or are they even trained reporters and do they follow those rules?”This week on The Intersection, Mike and Sallie welcome Lazar Raynal, a partner at King & Spalding in Chicago. Lazar has handled many criminal cases and is an expert in matters involving patent infringement, breach of contract, and fraud. He has led numerous internal investigations for clients in response to governmental investigations and civil lawsuits.In this episode, Lazar recounts his representation of Liesel Pritzker, whose victory in the lawsuit she and eventually her brother brought against their father led to the breakup of the family’s hotel empire. This prompts a discussion of how to determine whether a reporter is trustworthy and what it means to be a reporter in the modern age. Lazar also shares the lessons he’s learned from Mike, who worked with him on the Pritzker case early in his career: how the absence of a statement can be perceived as an indictment, and give clients a reality check when they have unrealistic expectations about the court of law and court of public opinion.  About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Michael Sitrick and Sallie Hofmeister sit down with Jonathan K. Waldrop, Chair of Kasowitz Benson Torres’ Intellectual Property group to talk tech law, PR strategy, and of course, the TikTok Ban. They'll discuss Jonathan’s upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama, and how he became involved in patent law. They also talk about the challenges of explaining technical issues to the media and how that can affect how the story is presented to the public, using the recent controversial TikTok ban as an example."One of the things we try to do is we get really good professionals who are really good in the communication space, particularly depending on how important the issue is, to make sure that we are describing it in a way that is effective. A lot of times lawyers think they're being effective, but they're not. And so, we get help from outsiders. We talk to people who are smart like Mike Sitrick, like you guys, about making sure that we are fully delivering the story correctly, and we stay after it.”Jonathan Waldrop is regularly recognized by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, IAM Patent 1000, IP Stars, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers, Jonathan represents leading companies in patent and trademark litigation involving interactive web, video-on-demand, and cable technologies, computer-assisted sales processes, medical devices, gaming systems and complex financial transactions. His clients include Google, LG, ASUS, Uber, and Adobe.This episode of The Intersection: Where the Court of Public Opinion and the Court of Law Collide is about: the TikTok Ban, PR strategies in litigation, media influence on legal outcomes, crisis communication.About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary trial attorney James Brosnahan joins Michael Sitrick and Sallie Hofmeister to explore where legal battles collide with media narratives. Brosnahan shares insights on the rise of social media and the legal media strategies in cases he has worked on over the years with Sitrick And Company. We'll get behind some of his most controversial cases—from defending Patty Dunn in the HP pretexting scandal to representing Henry Nicholas amid allegations of Broadcom securities fraud.“How did I become a lawyer? In the end of my sophomore year at Boston College, we watched the Army-McCarthy hearings… This lawyer Mr. Welch leaned across the table, and he said, ‘Have you no shame?’ He was talking truth to power, and I thought that looked neat. I liked that right away. I want to do — is that what you do? Is that what lawyers do? I want to stand up there and just tell people off. Whatever was wrong with me, that's what I wanted to do.”James Brosnahan unpacks how media influences legal outcomes, the role of crisis communication in law, and how public opinion can shift a case’s trajectory. He also reflects on the evolution of legal crisis management, offering insights into how attorneys can navigate both the courtroom and the press to protect their clients’ reputations.As a lawyer, lecturer, and author, Jim Brosnahan has been a consistent influence on California trial law for the better half of a century. Considered to be one of the top 30 trial lawyers in the US by the Legal 500 US, Jim has tried 150 cases and literally wrote the book for California lawyers with his “Trial Handbook for California Lawyers,” published in 1974. He has received countless awards and recognition over a 60-year career, the last 50 spent at Morrison Foerster, currently as Senior Trial Counsel.This episode is about the James Brosnahan, Hewlett Packard spy scandals, alleged Broadcom fraud, media influence on legal outcomes, public relations in law, public opinion, PR strategies in litigation, and crisis management. About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Intersection, Patricia Glaser joins Mike Sitrick to break down the explosive Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case—one of the biggest legal battles in Hollywood where PR strategy, public opinion, and legal media strategies are at play. As the case dominates headlines and social media, lawyers, PR strategists and even fans  are weighing in on how media influence on legal outcomes is shaping its trajectory.Glaser offers expert insight into what went wrong, analyzing the PR and legal mistakes made by both parties. She zeros in on  how things could have been handled differently to mitigate reputational damage.Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and a smear campaign during the production of It Ends With Us, citing a hostile work environment. Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. The feud escalated with leaked texts, PR battles, and a denied gag order request, further fueling the court of public opinion. As the case continues, it leaves both reputations in turmoil.“I don't think there's necessarily a relationship between really good, effective media, and effective litigation, 'cause I think a lot of lawyers, unfortunately more than ever, are using the media to extort big settlements. Allegations have become evidence. And when you believe the allegations,  then you have to have a Mike or somebody akin to a Mike to counter that because it's horrible stuff.”Patricia Glaser is one of the most sought-after litigation lawyers in the country – and for good reason. As partner and head of the litigation department at the law firm Glaser Weil in Los Angeles, she’s seen more than her fair share of controversy. Her list of clients includes Fortune 500 companies, major studios, real estate investors and developers, financial institutions, and high-profile entertainers and public figures. This episode explores: the Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni case, PR strategy, media influence on legal cases, litigation, crisis management in PR and crisis management in law.About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Intersection, Jeffrey Kessler, one of the world’s leading sports attorneys and co-executive chairman of Winston & Strawn, joins Mike Sitrick and Sallie Hofmeister to discuss the power of PR strategy in litigation, and the impact of media influence on legal outcomes. He shares his firsthand experience with high-stakes cases, including the NCAA v. Alston case and major NFL disputes—revealing how media coverage helped shape their direction.Kessler will lay out the details of his landmark Supreme Court win in NCAA v. Alston, which reshaped college athlete compensation and led to the historic NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) settlement. He also reflects on representing the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in their equal pay lawsuit, explaining how a carefully orchestrated media strategy turned public sentiment into legal leverage.“As lawyers, we sometimes have to take hard cases that are controversial. Not everybody's going to love you for it. You may be attacked for it. But it's part of what our profession requires.” – Jeffrey KesslerFrom representing Tom Brady in Deflate-Gate and leading the lawsuit that resulted in the 2011 NFL lockout to fighting for college athletes’ compensation rights and defending Ray Rice after his career-ending suspension, Kessler has handled some of the most controversial sports cases of our time. But beyond the courtroom, he’s seen firsthand how legal media strategies shape public narratives—and why controlling the story is just as important as winning the case. As co-chair of Winston & Strawn's global Antitrust/Competition Practice and the former co-chair of its Sports Law Practice, Kessler has worked with such corporations as Panasonic and Activision Blizzard, as well as the Player Associations for the NBA, NFL, and MLB.This episode explores some of the biggest legal cases in sports, as well as media influence on legal outcomes, PR strategy, crisis management in PR and sports, litigation in professional athletics, and public opinion.About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long after a verdict is reached, the court of public opinion continues its trial. In today’s digital world, media coverage of legal cases—especially high-profile ones—can define a person’s reputation forever. PR strategy is essential. But, how can lawyers, PR strategists, and litigation experts fight back against damaging narratives?This week on The Intersection, Matthew Schwartz, Chairman of Boies Schiller, joins Mike Sitrick and Sallie Hofmeister to discuss PR strategy in litigation, the role of media influence on legal outcomes, and how crisis management in law is just as critical as legal arguments in the courtroom.“Even if someone is tried and acquitted, and the jury finds them to be not guilty, the stories of their arrest and charges, sometimes even the press release from the government, lives on the internet forever. And the fact of those allegations living on can be incredibly damaging. Every future employer or counterparty…is going to dig that up. And so, if the other side of the story is not at least presented to contextualize the allegations, then it puts a client at a real disadvantage.”Named a “buttoned-up assassin in the courtroom” by Forbes, Matt spent a decade as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where he worked on high-profile cases—including the government’s investigation of Bernie Madoff. Now, as Chairman at Boies Schiller, managing partner and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, he represents major clients such as Red Granite Pictures and DraftKings, navigating complex litigation and the media challenges that come with it. Tune in as Matt, Mike, and Sallie discuss:- The impact of media coverage on jury selection- How crisis communication strategies can protect clients’ reputations- The challenges facing law firms in today’s litigation and PR landscape- Differences in press communication between the private sector and the governmentThis episode explores: PR strategy, crisis management, legal media strategies, and the intersection of public opinion and legal cases.About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winning in the court of law often depends on mastering the court of public opinion. So how do lawyers and crisis PR experts shape public opinion to influence high-stakes legal battles? Wizard of Spin Mike Sitrick and PR partner Sallie Hofmeister explore the powerful connection between media influence and legal outcomes.From crisis management to PR strategies in litigation, Sitrick and Hofmeister sit down with America’s leading lawyers and PR minds to reveal how media narratives can make or break a case. Whether it’s controlling the conversation, managing reputations, or leveraging public sentiment, this podcast shares what you need to know about legal media strategies.For anyone interested in the media’s role in legal cases, The Intersection: Where the Court of Public Opinion and the Court of Law Collide is the podcast for you.Tune in to The Intersection: Where the Court of Public Opinion and the Court of Law Collide to hear more about:Media Influence on Legal Outcomes, Public Opinion and Legal Cases, Legal Media Strategies, Crisis Management in PR, Crisis Management in Law, PR Strategies in Litigation, Crisis Management, PR Strategy.About Sitrick and CompanySitrick and Company is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm founded by Michael Sitrick specializing in corporate, financial, and crisis communications. Known for its expertise in high-stakes situations, the firm has handled reputation management, litigation support, and media strategy for high-profile clients. It operates offices in New York City and Washington, DC, and is recognized as a leader in strategic communications and crisis management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.