When it comes to diversity initiatives within law firms, a recent study by Novations Group pinpoints several areas for improvement. Novations Vice President Fred Smith gave a succinct overview of the issue when he said, "The best diversity training has moved far beyond the one-dimensional, feel-good event and today needs to be held to the same rigorous standards as other corporate training. Anything less cheats participants, wastes resources and undermines diversity efforts." Smith is absolutely correct. No ... Read More

In late March, global investment banking analysis provider Dealogic released new data about sovereign wealth funds' investments in U.S. and European financial institutions. According to this data, investments by global sovereign funds hit a record-setting $48.5 billion in 2007, and already stood at $24.4 billion by the end of February 2008. Beyond the staggering numbers, there are a few other interesting information points. First, the announcement shows Singapore in the lead, with transactions accounting for ... Read More

In late March, the New York Times Magazine took a look at the growing role of the Internet in spreading rumors. Recalling the persistent rumor about Barack Obama being a Muslim, the story examined how the Web is making it easier for misinformation and urban legend not only to spread, but to stick. Urban legends and outrageous rumors, of course, have always been a vexing problem for crisis managers--just ask the marketing managers at Sara Lee ... Read More

Lost somewhat amidst the tectonic shifts that JP Morgan Chase’s acquisition of Bear Stearns had on global capital markets was the far-sighted and proactive legal and communications initiative JP Morgan put in place to quell any negative fallout from the all-too-easy to anticipate shareholder litigation that is sure to follow. Indeed, JP Morgan Chase moved aggressively to build a firebreak around any issue that could have distracted regulators, shareholders, analysts, employees, and countless other key audiences. ... Read More

From Capitol Hill to the White House, federal lawmakers and regulators are talking tougher than ever about regulation. The crisis in the nation’s housing market, the roller-coaster ride on Wall Street and the series of safety scares and recalls involving spinach, toys, toothpaste, beef and pet food are driving both political parties to call for stricter regulation of consumer products and financial services. "We’re in for a potentially significant regulatory response," Glenn Hubbard, dean of Columbia ... Read More

When rumors were swirling and investors were feeling nervous about an impending cash crunch at investment banking giant Bear Stearns last week, CEO Alan Schwartz was quick to try and reassure the market, a move right out of the crisis communications playbook. Unfortunately, he didn't read the part in the playbook where it warned against obfuscation and/or lying when he made the following statements: "Our balance sheet has not weakened at all." "We don't see any pressure ... Read More