The Growing Demand for Legal Experts in the Media: What Lawyers Need to Know

Demand for media commentary is often driven by external factors. During COVID, healthcare practitioners were called upon to provide much needed instruction on everything from how to wash our hands to treatment and recovery. Pollsters and pundits were in high demand during the recent election cycle to shed light on a rapidly changing electoral landscape. The media is in a constant state of change, and trusted sources tend to change with the daily news cycle.

In 2025, the media is turning to the legal profession for their much-needed expertise. But why? The principal reason lies in the frantic pace set by the new administration. Every day seems to bring a new set of executive orders and initiatives that are almost immediately challenged though lawsuits at the federal and state level.

To cover these issues accurately, experienced partners who can provide informed commentary and legal clarity are in high demand. Partisanship also contributes to this demand as truly unbiased experts on either side of the aisle are difficult to find.

Lawyers are in a much better position to speak from an academic point of view not only on the legality of certain actions, but on the practical considerations for companies and organizations seeking to remain in regulatory compliance. ?Most reporters just want to get their stories right the first time, and place high value on experts who can respond quickly with objective information for their readers.

But why should attorneys take time out of their busy schedules to speak to the media when they can issue client alerts and post summaries for their stakeholders on channels like LinkedIn? The main reason is trust. People as a rule are skeptical and have lower levels of trust for content that is self-published or delivered through paid advertising.

Articles published in The Wall Street Journal, American Lawyer and other publications go through filters that generate a higher level of public confidence. These articles can also be socialized through digital channels or sent directly to clients and prospects, amplifying a firm’s point of view and legitimacy to provide quality legal counsel on critical issues.

Getting started is easier than you may think. The public relations industry as a whole has grown with the legal profession to provide strategic services that not only generate media placements in volume, but also media coverage in line with marketing and business development. Firms like Stanton are ready to help. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.