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Public Relations Expert Witnesses

Reputation is a business asset, and disputes over how it was built, managed, or damaged regularly reach litigation and arbitration. Companies sue their agencies over failed campaigns, missed deliverables, and disputed billing, while businesses pursuing defamation or commercial disparagement claims must show how false statements affected their standing with customers, investors, and regulators. Public companies also face questions about whether investor communications, product recall announcements, or crisis statements met professional and regulatory expectations. The central issue in these matters is usually whether a communications strategy reflected accepted professional practice and, if it did not, what measurable harm followed.

A public relations expert gives counsel an objective benchmark for evaluating communications decisions that might otherwise be judged with hindsight. The expert can examine engagement terms, campaign plans, media coverage, and internal approvals to determine whether an agency or communications team acted consistently with industry standards for strategy, execution, and billing. In reputational harm cases, the analysis may trace the spread of a statement through traditional and social media, assess how stakeholders likely received it, and estimate the cost of a corrective communications program. These opinions help counsel establish or defend against breach and professional negligence claims, connect a statement to concrete business consequences, and challenge damages theories that overstate reach or impact.

Public relations is practiced very differently in corporate, financial, regulated, and crisis settings, so an expert's practical background should mirror the communications environment at issue. Round Table Group's experts include senior corporate communications and investor relations professionals, crisis and reputation management specialists, academics who have published on public relations ethics and strategic communication, and practitioners experienced with SEC disclosure, product recalls, and corporate social responsibility. Some have served as lead industry spokespeople coordinating with major trade associations and utilities, and others have testified on defamation, professional malpractice, agency overbilling, and investor class actions. With more than 75,000 expert searches completed for litigators, we can help you find the right communications expert by calling us at (202) 908-4500.

Kinds of Cases We Work On

Round Table Group helps our clients find a wide variety of Public Relations expert witnesses for cases like:

01

Crisis Communications Firm Faces Failed Campaign Suit.

A consumer products company sued a crisis communications firm alleging its recommended public response strategy during a product recall worsened media coverage and prolonged the reputational damage. We identified experts with experience in crisis communications strategy, corporate reputation management, and media response benchmarking. The crisis communications expert's strategy review found the recommended approach met accepted industry practice given the information available, defeating the company's malpractice claim.
02

PR Agency Breaches Confidentiality During M&A Deal.

An acquirer sued its public relations agency alleging it leaked details of a pending acquisition to a financial reporter before the deal's public announcement, disrupting the negotiation and inflating the target's asking price. We identified experts with experience in M&A communications protocols, corporate confidentiality practices, and public relations industry standards. The communications standards expert's information-flow analysis traced the leak to the agency's account team, supporting the acquirer's breach of contract claim.
03

PR Agency Disputes Client Termination for Cause.

A public relations agency disputed a corporate client's termination for cause, alleging the client's own delayed approvals caused a missed product launch communications window the agency was blamed for. We identified experts with experience in public relations account management practices, corporate communications workflow standards, and agency-client contract interpretation. The account management expert's workflow timeline review found the delays originated with the client's approval process, supporting the agency's wrongful termination claim.
04

Influencer Marketing Agency Sued Over Disclosure Failures.

A consumer brand sued an influencer marketing agency alleging its managed campaign failed to ensure sponsored content disclosures met regulatory requirements, exposing the brand to a regulatory inquiry. We identified experts with experience in influencer marketing compliance, advertising disclosure standards, and digital marketing agency practices. The advertising compliance expert's campaign audit confirmed the disclosure gaps, supporting the brand's breach of contract claim against the agency.
05

Reputation Monitoring Vendor Disputes Data Accuracy Claims.

A corporation sued a media monitoring vendor alleging its sentiment analysis dashboard systematically understated negative coverage volume during a product controversy, delaying the company's crisis response. We identified experts with experience in media monitoring analytics, sentiment analysis methodology, and communications data platform auditing. The analytics expert's dataset reconstruction confirmed the undercounting, supporting the corporation's breach of contract claim.
06

PR Firm Accused of Plagiarizing Campaign Materials.

A public relations firm sued a former subcontractor alleging it reused substantial portions of a proprietary crisis messaging framework developed for one client in a competing pitch to a rival company. We identified experts with experience in public relations content development, intellectual property in creative agency work, and messaging framework analysis. The content development expert's comparative analysis found extensive verbatim overlap, supporting the firm's claim for damages.
07

Brand Spokesperson Contract Dispute Follows Public Controversy.

A consumer brand terminated a paid spokesperson agreement following a public controversy involving the spokesperson, a decision the spokesperson's talent agency disputed as a breach of the contract's morality clause terms. We identified experts with experience in endorsement contract interpretation, brand reputation risk assessment, and talent agency industry practices. The reputation risk expert's controversy timeline analysis found the conduct fell within the contract's defined morality clause triggers, supporting the brand's termination.
08

Native Advertising Compliance Dispute Names PR Agency.

A media publisher sued a public relations agency alleging its placed sponsored content articles failed to meet the publisher's native advertising disclosure standards, triggering a regulatory advertising review. We identified experts with experience in native advertising compliance, sponsored content disclosure standards, and digital publishing industry practices. The advertising compliance expert's content audit confirmed the disclosure gaps, supporting the publisher's breach of contract claim against the agency.
09

PR Vendor Data Breach Exposes Executive Communications

A financial services firm sued its public relations vendor after a data breach exposed confidential draft executive communications and unannounced strategic plans stored on the vendor's project management platform. We identified experts with experience in data security auditing, corporate communications systems, and vendor compliance standards. The data security expert's forensic review found the vendor's access controls fell short of its contractual security commitments, supporting the firm's breach of contract claim.
10

PR Executive Non-Compete Dispute Follows Agency Departure.

A public relations agency sued a departing senior executive for breach of a non-compete after she launched a competing crisis communications practice serving several of the agency's key corporate clients. We identified experts with experience in professional services competitive analysis, public relations industry practices, and non-compete enforceability. The industry practices expert's client-overlap analysis established material competitive harm, supporting a preliminary injunction.

Here are a few of our favorite Public Relations Expert Witnesses:

California Public Relations Expert #10420

I have 43 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations with specific knowledge in the areas of journalism, marketing and advertising. I have published on such topics as marketing a professional practice, generating awareness, branding and developing an image and reputation. I have testified on libel, slander, and defamation, professional malpractice, failed strategies and improper overbilling, and firm operation, partner responsibilities and compensation.

 

New York Public Relations, Social Media Expert #14633

I have 20 years of experience in the field of corporate communications with specific knowledge of public relations, crisis communications and investor relations. I have published on such topics as public relations, communications and social media.

 

Massachusetts Advertising, Public Relations Expert #17215

I have 25 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations.

 

North Carolina Public Relations, Persuasion Expert #17752

I have 9 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations and journalism, with specific knowledge of international communication, propaganda and persuasion. I have published on such topics as international public relations, nation-branding and propaganda.

 

North Carolina Public Relations, Ethics Expert #17878

I have 47 years of experience, and specialize in the field of communication with specific knowledge in the areas of public relations, journalism and strategic communication. I have published on such topics as global public relations and public relations ethics.

 

Your Case Deserves The Best Public Relations Expert Witnesses

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The right expert witnesses and consulting experts can make your case. That’s why we have spent so many hours over the past quarter century making sure our clients have just the right expert team — whether one expert or many, early-stage advice or expert reports and testimony. Across over 50,000 expert search assignments, we have honed a unique, customized approach to identifying, analyzing and connecting with expert talent so you can focus on winning your case.

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Massachusetts Public Relations, Media Expert #18034

I have 10 years of experience and specialize in the field of media and communication, with specific knowledge of Chinese education, Chinese economic development, and social and cultural changes. I have published on such topics as educational reform, international business and labor market.

 

California Public Relations, Media Relation Expert #20993

I have 20 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations, with specific knowledge of media relations, publicity and toy industry.

 

Pennsylvania Public Relations, Advertising Expert #22939

I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of marketing communications with specific knowledge in the areas of public relations, media relations and advertising. I have published on such topics as tips for working with the news media.

 

Public Relations, Asia Pacific Expert #24018

I have 25 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations, with specific knowledge of Asia Pacific, marketing and corporate communications, and digital marketing. I have published on such topics as China marketing entry, brand building and digital marketing.

 

New York Public Relations, Real Estate Expert #24084

I have 16 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations, with specific knowledge of real estate, social media and business communication. I have published on such topics as communication theory, ethics and history.

 

Maryland Public Relations, Editing Expert #25121

I have 16 years of experience and specialize in the field of communications, with specific knowledge of public relations, marketing communications and editing.

 

New York Mentoring, Public Relations Expert #28087

I have 35 years of experience and specialize in the field of marketing and strategic planning, with specific knowledge of product and service organizations, marketing and planning and international cultural awareness. I have published on such topics as redefining the business paradigm, leadership and communications.

 

Pennsylvania Public Relations Expert #28631

I have 30 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations and public affairs, with specific knowledge of corporate social responsibility, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. I have published on such topics as sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

 

Texas Public Relations Expert #29842

I have 9 years of experience, and specialize in the field of public relations with specific knowledge in the areas of crisis communication, media relations, and campaign planning. I have published on such topics as crisis management, media relations, and corporate social responsibility.

 

California Public Relations, Journalism Expert #30368

I have 30 years of experience in the field of marketing and public relations, with specific knowledge in the areas of crisis communications, technical communications, and business publishing. I have published on such topics as branding, products and marketing.

 

South Carolina Reputation, Public Relations Expert #30376

I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of corporate reputation management and communications with specific knowledge in the areas of reputation, corporate communications and marketing. I have published on such topics as reputation, governance and marketing.

 

Arizona Media Training, Public Relations Expert #30540

I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of business and communications with specific knowledge in the areas of marketing, public relations and training and education. I have published on such topics as metalworking, manufacturing and water resources.

 

Wisconsin Public Relations Expert #30567

I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of public relations with specific knowledge in the areas of human resources, health care, and building and construction. I have published on such topics as professionalism.

 

New York Public Relations Expert #30896

I have 25 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations, with specific knowledge of recruitment, staffing and public relations. I have published on such topics as staffing, job hunting and communications. I have testified on jobs.

 

Kentucky Public Relations, Public Affairs Expert #32522

I have 10 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations, with specific knowledge of non-profits and smoke free policies.

 

Kentucky Public Relations Expert #35119

I have 31 years of experience in the field of advertising and public relations, with specific knowledge of media relations, new media and creative development.

 

California Public Relations, Communications Expert #36021

I have 30 years of experience in the field of public communications, with specific knowledge in the areas of energy, environmental issues, and financial services. I have published on such topics as crisis communications, issues management, and educational reform. I was a lead industry spokesman and strategist on the issue of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and human health, coordinating with all of the major industry associations and major utilities.

 

Arizona Public Relations Expert #37879

I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of public relations with specific knowledge in the areas of media relations, social media strategies and issues and crisis communications. I have published on such topics as public relations, social media and crisis communications.

 

New York Public Relations Expert #37937

I have 14 years of experience, and specialize in the field of public relations with specific knowledge in the areas of technology public relations, public affairs and consumer public relations.

 

New York Public Relations, Communications Expert #38677

I have 25 years of experience in the field of public relations, press, media, communications, investor relations and branding, with specific knowledge of media, financial services, investors and press. I have testified on investor lawsuits, class action and patent infringement.

 

Texas Public Relations, Marketing Expert #41741

I have 15 years of experience, and specialize in the field of public relations with specific knowledge in the areas of media relations, marketing and strategic communications. I have published on such topics as crisis and reputation management, community relations and market research programs.

 

Oregon Public Relations Expert #42000

I have 25 years of experience and specialize in the field of public relations and marketing with specific knowledge in the areas of litigation, disclosure and medical regulations, product recalls and SEC regulations. I have published on such topics as building science, career and professional development, and women as consumers. I have testified 12 times on topics such as public utilities law, voter regulations and Medicare law.

 

California Public Relations, Trade Shows Expert #45984

I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of marketing with specific knowledge in the areas of public relations, marketing strategy and advertising. I have published on such topics as marketing strategy, telecommunications marketing and wireless marketing. I have accomplished everything I set out to accomplish nealry 20 years ago, yet have so much left to do.

 

Hawaii Finance, Public Relations Expert #46970

I have 25 years of experience, and specialize in the field of food and beverage with specific knowledge in the areas of menu creating, budget and public relations. I have published on such topics as island cookbooks, Thai cooking and host of cooking shows. I am an award winning chef.

 

Georgia Media, Public Relations, Therapy Expert #48109

I have 9 years of experience, and specialize in the field of respiratory therapy with specific knowledge in the areas of management, education and floor therapy.

 

Put Our Public Relations Expert Network to Work for You

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Our huge network of experts – eminent university professors and practitioners who have achieved renown as thought leaders in their fields – combined with unparalleled research capabilities puts the experts you need at your disposal when and where you need them.

If you’re a litigator or general counsel, we want to put this network to work for you and your clients. Let us know how we can help by calling us at (202) 908-4500 or filling out the form on this page. We’re so confident you’ll love what we do that unless you retain an expert we present there’s no charge!

LET US HELP YOU

Questions Attorneys Ask About Public Relations Expert Witnesses:

A public relations expert is warranted when a claim turns on the quality of a communications strategy, the professional conduct of an agency, or the reputational consequences of a statement. Agency-client contract and billing disputes, professional negligence claims, defamation and commercial disparagement actions, and disputes over investor or crisis communications are common examples. Retaining an expert early helps counsel collect media monitoring data and campaign records before they are lost or overwritten.
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Spend your time working with your experts, not searching for them! We're here to de-stress the process of having a great expert witness team so that it’s easy to have the right experts every time. We'll conduct a quick but thorough search and deliver a roster of top candidates for you to review. There's no charge for the custom search — you pay only the hourly rate if you retain one of our experts.

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Public Relations Workshops

A few of the courses and workshops led by our Public Relations experts:

  • An Executive's Guide to Dealing with Wall Street Investors
  • Changing the Rules of the Game: When Business and Politics Collide
  • Corporate Communications: An Overview of Laws and Regulations
  • Crisis Management Strategies: A Political Approach to Dealing with Corporate Crises
  • Everything You Wanted to Know About Investor Relations, But Were Afraid to Ask
  • General Corporate Communications
  • Getting the Most from Social Media Use in Organizations
  • Global Public Relations: Adjusting to an International Audience
  • How Do I Build an Effective Press Release or Pitch?
  • Media Relations
  • Public Relations, Politics, & Corporate Responsibility
  • Successful Communication Strategies for Corporations

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