Isenberg & Hewitt Title IX Press Conference
Media Relations Case Study
Challenge
Mel Hewitt, the managing partner of Isenberg & Hewitt, P.C., specializes in representing families and victims of violent crimes, sexual offenses and catastrophic personal injuries. Hewitt observed a noticeable increase in cases involving crimes committed within Georgia public schools or by staff members employed at these institutions. Recognizing this trend, he wanted to educate the public about Title IX protections and the possibility of seeking damages in such cases.
Solution
To effectively communicate this important information, Mel Hewitt and c21 decided to hold a press conference to announce the Title IX lawsuits they intended to file against six different schools in Georgia and to showcase the law firm's efforts in advocating for crime victims.
Title IX is a comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding, protecting individuals from the youngest public school students to adults in our most prestigious universities. Originally, Title IX served as a powerful mechanism to combat and prevent sexual violence and harassment in educational settings. However, significant changes to the general rules in 2020 have made it more challenging to pursue justice in Title IX cases.
To disseminate Isenberg & Hewitt’s message, c21 updated its targeted media lists and sent a media alert to the major Metro Atlanta news stations with the details of the conference, as well as information about Title IX and the cases being filed.
c21 secured a conveniently located conference room for easy reporter access, and following the conference, compiled all the media coverage in a report. c21 then posted the coverage on Isenberg & Hewitt’s website and social media platforms to further extend the information distribution.
Results
The press conference drew camera crews from WSB-TV, Atlanta’s top-rated TV station, 11Alive and CBS46. 11Alive shared their footage with FOX5, resulting in 36 media clips, primarily TV coverage. Coverage of the press conference and the Title IX cases was so successful it resulted in and drastic increase in calls to the firm.
