Case Study – Protecting Freedom to Operate from Litigation Risk

A leading global manufacturer of specialty fiber-based materials was named alongside other defendants in a lawsuit alleging liability for environmental contamination of drinking water near one of the client’s facilities. 

Our client had a significant presence in the local community, and news of the lawsuit generated a great deal of interest among the local community, media, and facility employees. This litigation followed a very high-profile settlement of a multi-district litigation of which our client was not a party, creating the possibility for higher profile attention. 

Our Role

Our team provided comprehensive litigation communications support, along with relevant public affairs, stakeholder mapping, and stakeholder management, throughout the ongoing litigation process, which evolved over time with new defendants and new allegations added to the complaint, as well as litigation being launched in other jurisdictions. 

Our Impact

In close coordination with outside counsel and the internal client team, our team developed comprehensive communications materials and established an ongoing monitoring and rapid response program to ensure accurate coverage of relevant case information, client statements, and overall positioning in local, trade, and top-tier media. Additionally, our team advised on financial reporting and investor engagement on the litigation issues.