Having a crisis communications plan in place is imperative for all businesses—and especially so for law firms.

Such plans should incorporate both internal and external communications, so that employees are kept abreast of what is happening and to ensure that firms can control the public conversation.

The ISBA’s crisis communications planning checklist provides an overview to develop a communications plan before a crisis occurs. Tips include assessing general risks, establishing a crisis management team, and steps to take to ensure your firm can function remotely. The checklist also includes suggestions on how to communicate with employees, the public, and the media, both during and after a crisis.

The checklist is one of many member resources available at Practice HQ, the ISBA’s one-stop microsite for practice management and technology information. Organized by the life cycle of a law practice, Practice HQ can help you start a firm, build, manage, protect, or wind down. Practice HQ content is members-only; you must log in to the ISBA website for full access.