Big Law Firm Needs More Humanity in Statement

"Upon discovery, the matter was promptly referred to the appropriate authorities. The Firm fully cooperated with those authorities, contacted affected clients and made restitution."

According to the New York Law Journal, the above is a statement issued by Sullivan & Cromwell after a now-disbarred partner bilked the firm (and its clients) out of $500,000 in false entertainment and travel expenses.

It's good that the firm issued a statement instead of hiding  -- but it sounds way too legal and bureacratic. Firms need to put  humanity into their statements so prospects and clients know there's actually human beings behind the wood panels.

The statement could have began with something like:

"We regret that this happened and take this issue very seriously. Therefore, we are taking immediate action to institute stronger auditing and security procedures to protect the integrity of our billing system."

Clients and prospects need to know law firms care, particularly when a reputation has been tarnished by one bad apple.

Rushed media statements filled with legalese should not be used to simply get the press off a law firm's back. They should be used as an opportunity to build goodwill with all critical audiences.