Nathan Ballard is an attorney in private practice. In high-stakes conflicts that may attract media scrutiny, Ballard is typically retained to manage crisis communications efforts that advance his clients’ interests inside and outside of the courtroom.
San Francisco Magazine’s “Power Issue” called Ballard a “preeminent media whisperer” who represents “a veritable Yellow Pages of powerful clients.” Ballard was Governor Gavin Newsom’s communications director when Newsom served as mayor of San Francisco. The New York Times said Ballard had “a sixth sense as to when to step in for his boss.”
Ballard, a former deputy city attorney, has been a communications advisor to Fortune 100 companies, major tech figures, the Golden State Warriors, Super Bowl 50, and San Francisco’s bid for the 2028 Olympic Games. He was a spokesman for presidential candidates Senator John Kerry and General Wesley Clark.
Ballard has also been a communications director for the Democratic National Committee, the California Democratic Party, and the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. He was a market leader and managing director at Burson-Marsteller, a global public relations agency, where he led the West Coast crisis team. He served on the board of The Representation Project, Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit organization.
Strategy and Execution
Although no two cases are exactly alike, in complex matters Ballard typically sets communications strategy with clients and counsel, engages and manages a crisis team – agencies, investigators, researchers, and other specialists – and serves as a liaison among participants, carefully aligning assignments and communications with clients’ legal objectives. He evaluates the legal and reputational consequences of allegations, publicity, proposed responses, and reputation-repair measures, considering admissions, inconsistencies, and disclosure issues, as well as potential effects on investigations, charging decisions, litigation, and settlement. He conducts research, plans and carries out stakeholder outreach, engages with journalists, and prepares and delivers corrections, rebuttals, and responses to leaks and case developments.
Preparation and Training
Even in a major public controversy, most of the work takes place behind the scenes. Clients, counsel, and specialists must first be convened to clarify facts, assess communications issues, and inform legal advice. As part of this preparation, Ballard directs interviews, fact-gathering, spokesperson briefings, media training, mock interviews, rehearsals, message testing, coaching, communications support for witness preparation, and planning for litigation, settlement, and corrective action.
Written Communications
Writing a press release is just the tip of the iceberg. In a crisis, each and every supporting document – including factual summaries, timelines, interview reports, and research reports on media and audiences – also requires close attention. Ballard is involved in creating every contingency plan, stakeholder message, press statement, set of talking points, and digital communication, including messaging related to litigation, settlement, apologies, retractions, and corrections. Related communications and materials may qualify for attorney-client privilege or work-product protection; confidentiality agreements and court orders can provide additional safeguards.