CLIENT AND MEDIA

Trial by media and other phenomena

Many trials are fought twice: once in the media and once before the court

A media storm rarely announces itself. A journalist asking for a reaction, a post going viral, a criminal investigation leaking to the press — before you know it, your name or your company’s name is in the newspaper. At that point, every minute counts. LENSSENS & Partners provides immediate legal and media assistance to clients facing damaging coverage, reputational harm or public pressure — discreetly, decisively and with an eye on the long term. Mr Geert LENSSENS combines long-standing expertise with extensive media training.

Our priority is protecting your rights and communicating strategically with the media. Not every publication is lawful, and not every media accusation has to be accepted. We quickly assess whether there are grounds for an injunction, a right of reply, a correction, or a damage claim for defamation, libel or invasion of privacy. Where necessary, we take immediate legal action — including summary proceedings — to stop the further spread of inaccurate or damaging information. But there are many shades of grey between a right of reply, formal proceedings and a targeted intervention: often the latter is enough, without any proceedings at all.

Alongside legal action, communication strategy is at least as decisive for the outcome of a media crisis. What you say, when you say it and how you say it can make the difference between escalation and de-escalation. We advise clients on the legal boundaries of their communication, coordinate with press spokespeople or PR advisers, and ensure that no public statement undermines your legal position. Silence is sometimes the strongest weapon — but only when it is a deliberate choice.

Particular attention is paid to situations where criminal investigations and media attention coincide. The risk of trial by press is real and can seriously hamper your defense. We safeguard the confidentiality of the file, act against unlawful leaks, and ensure that public opinion does not prejudge your case before it reaches the courtroom. Your fair trial does not begin before the judge — it begins the day the press publishes your name.

LENSSENS & Partners combines years of experience in complex and sensitive cases with a network of trusted specialists in communication and reputation management. We are available when it matters — including outside office hours. Because a crisis does not wait until Monday morning, and neither should your lawyer.