Crisis Management

For almost 30 years, we’ve seen it all.  Accusations, scandals, contract disputes, board blow-ups, catastrophic accidents, and some stories and scenarios almost too weird to believe. At Church & Charity Law, we can advise you on liability risks and potential problems when they’re on the horizon so you can take steps to and how to reduce your organization’s liability exposure. But once a situation has blown up, we can advise you on methods to protect your organization’s reputation while addressing the source of liability.

Yes, but it’s not advisable.  If not done properly, settling a legal dispute can expose a church or charity to further liability.  Settlement can sometimes suggest an admission of wrongdoing; or settlement can be perceived as an attempt to escape public scrutiny or “sweep wrongdoing under the rug”.  Navigating these risks is often complex.  Call Church & Charity Law for our advice and assistance in managing disputes, drafting legally binding and effective settlement agreements, and understanding the risks and benefits of settlement.

Public relations firms can be useful in helping to protect a nonprofit’s public image during times of crisis. But a PR firm cannot substitute for solid legal counsel.  When faced with a major legal crisis, a church or charity should never release a public statement without first reviewing the statement with a skilled attorney.  Remember, a statement may be wonderful from a public relations perspective but an absolute disaster from a legal perspective.  Also keep in mind, private conversations with PR firms are not legally protected against disclosure in court.  Contact Church & Charity law for confidential legal advice on protecting your church or charity’s reputation in the midst of a legal crisis.