Case Studies
Overreaching Regulators
It had the potential of being the largest antitrust criminal fine ever sought by the Department of Justice. The defendant was one of the most prominent names in its industry and an ideal poster child for fines and jail time.
The solution was to change the story altogether and focus on the dangers of government overreaching. The campaign rallied third-party supporters, solicited amicus briefs, engaged think tanks, and published editorials. The effect was to switch its own role from villain to victim.
Completely vindicated in federal court, the company’s stock price soared and its executives were freed from concern over their fate and freedom - and the government finally yielded and said it wouldn’t appeal any longer.
The solution was to change the story altogether and focus on the dangers of government overreaching. The campaign rallied third-party supporters, solicited amicus briefs, engaged think tanks, and published editorials. The effect was to switch its own role from villain to victim.
Completely vindicated in federal court, the company’s stock price soared and its executives were freed from concern over their fate and freedom - and the government finally yielded and said it wouldn’t appeal any longer.