What is a significant obligation of attorneys regarding media communications during a case?

Attorneys have a significant obligation to avoid statements that could prejudice the case. This responsibility stems from the duty to ensure that a fair trial is preserved and that the judicial process is not compromised by extrajudicial statements. When attorneys communicate with the media, they must be cautious not to disclose information that could influence public perception or sway the opinions of potential jurors.

The ethical rules in California prohibit attorneys from making comments that could materially alter the fairness of the proceeding. This means that they must carefully navigate public communications, particularly in high-profile cases, to maintain the integrity of the legal process.

In contrast, frequently giving press conferences, promoting clients on social media, or sharing all case details with the press could lead to violations of this obligation and undermine the fairness of the trial. Therefore, the primary concern for attorneys is to refrain from making statements that could adversely affect the legal proceedings.