Mintz On Air: Practical Policies — Crisis Management: A First Hours Focus

An anonymous hotline complaint comes in. The allegations are serious. The clock is ticking. What should you do first? In this episode of the Mintz On Air: Practical Policies podcast, host Jen Rubin is joined by Mintz Member Marc Axelbaum for a practical conversation on navigating the critical first hours of a crisis investigation. Together, Jen and Marc explore key factors organizations should keep in mind when a corporate crisis arises, including: How to determine who the “client” is and who should lead the investigation When and how to engage outside counsel while preserving attorney-client privilege How to quickly build the right internal and external team (IT, HR, PR, and more) Common early mistakes, from mishandling communications to overlooking press strategy Why thoughtful planning, documentation decisions, and legal hold notices matter from the outset The role of empathy and human judgment in managing high-stakes, high-pressure situations Designed for in-house counsel, board members, and corporate leaders, this episode offers practical guidance on responding decisively in the earliest moments of a crisis, while protecting credibility, maintaining control of the narrative, and supporting the people involved.