Bob Witeck, who heads D.C. PR shop Witeck-Combs Communications and counsels clients on gay and lesbian PR, doled out some advice this week to law firm King & Spalding, which has taken heat from all sides after it withdrew from defending the Defense of Marriage Act.

witeck
Witeck
Witeck told lawjobs.com that K&S' first communication priority is its clients, noting now is a good time to minimize its media contact.

"I think the less time talking with the press, the better," said Witeck. "[The firm's] clients would probably prefer not to extend this conversation publicly [about the firm's role in DOMA].

K&S has been losing clients like the NRA and Virginia attorney general after it said last month it was dropping the defense of the federal law banning gay marriage. The firm was hired by members of the House of Representatives.

Partner Paul Clement left the firm after the move.

Although the PR disaster has yet to subside for the firm, Witeck said K&S' reputation can survive the flap:
"They have a long, established reputation. They shouldn't have to talk about it until the cows come home. Success is when this is out of public debate. I'd keep a low profile. In six months, very few people will pay attention."

Full interview is at lawjobs.com.