Ellis & Winters Attorney Tom Segars Presents on the Topic of Crisis Management to the Corporate Counsel Section of the North Carolina Bar Association
 Alex M. Pearce |
 Thomas H. Segars |
Together with Kathy Twiddy, counsel for Mayne Pharma, and public relations specialist McGavock Edwards, APR, of Eckel and Vaughan, Ellis & Winters attorneys Alex Pearce and Tom Segars presented “Damage Control or Control Damages? How Corporate Counsel Can Take Care of the Brand and Legal Arguments in a Crisis” to the Corporate Counsel Section of the North Carolina Bar Association on January 25. The presentation and CLE explored the strategic and tactical considerations presented to inside counsel when facing a crisis that puts a company’s brand interests and legal interests in tension.
The panel walked the audience through a fictitious crisis scenario that involved a whistle-blowing employee, unauthorized access to and use of sensitive data, threatened litigation from business partners, and intense media and social media scrutiny. The scenario was designed to simulate the key elements of a crisis situation that any company might face. At various decision points, the panel invited attendees to weigh in on how they would react using a real-time, SMS-based polling application and to explain their reasoning. The panel also offered insights on the various options presented, based on their research and relevant experience.
The presenters would like to thank the Corporate Counsel Section’s CLE planning committee for inviting them to participate and the approximately 180 members and guests in attendance (live and via webcast) for their active and thoughtful participation throughout the scenario.
About the Attorneys
Alex Pearce
Alex Pearce concentrates his practice in Privacy and Data Security law. He partners with organizations to provide strategic and practical guidance on matters that implicate domestic and international privacy and data security considerations.
Tom Segars
Tom Segars litigates complex business disputes. A significant portion of Tom’s cases arise from the departure and subsequent competition of key employees, officers, business partners, and/or sellers of businesses. Tom has litigated many so-called “departing employee” cases that involve bids for emergency injunctive relief, expedited forensic discovery, covenants not to compete or solicit, tortious interference claims, fiduciary duty claims, and unfair and deceptive trade practice claims. With that experience, Tom helps clients develop and maintain litigation strategies that are consistent with their overall business objectives.