Celebrities & High-Profile Litigation: Complications that Attorneys Often Experience

With much media speculation focused upon the legal issues of celebrities, we often wonder how the celebrity can be so oblivious to their own court orders and judgments. For much of the general population, there a consensus that celebrities simply believe they are 'above the law' and just refuse to follow court orders.

In contrast to what the general population believes, many celebrities are simply ill-informed as to what their court judgments may be. Often, when involved in litigation, the celebrity is sheltered from communicating directly with their attorney and receives the information, third-hand, from an agent or PR representative.

For attorneys who must manage the high profile client, such as a celebrity, this break in communication can be quite frustrating. Dealing with issues not only involving litigation but also addressing issues of payment of attorney fees and court judgments can be challenging. Because many celebrity clients are not in full control of their finances, payment of fees and fines are often difficult to complete.

Compounding the communication and the financial issues of celebrity litigation is the added component of confidentiality. For many celebrities and high profile clients, it is important to maintain the integrity of their name, their product and avoid unnecessary disclosure of information to the public. As a result, the attorney who represents this type of client must be well versed in laws regarding public record and confidentiality orders.

Whether you are an attorney or someone in the general population, it is important to understand the varying issues that high profile celebrities face when dealing with litigation. While we are quick to assume the celebrity is simply choosing to avoid the handling of their legal affairs, acting irresponsibly, the fact is that many celebrities are not fully aware of what has transpired in their litigation. As an attorney considering the representation of a high profile client, you will want to first determine who will be involved in communication and work, diligently, to create a path of communication between you and the client directly. In addition, make arrangements for financial payments with the individual who is controlling finances and, finally, be certain to familiarize yourself with the confidentiality statements that can be filed.

If, however, you are a member of the general population, watching media frenzy over a celebrity's alcohol or drug charges, issues with domestic affairs or driving violations, remember that the celebrity may not be choosing to avoid litigation or disobey court orders. Instead, the frenzy and complication over litigation, and the resulting media hype, may be attributed to poor communication and management by the celebrity's management and public relations staff.