The old saying goes ‘there is no such thing as bad publicity’ and I would always, although some would disagree, believe that to be in the main very true.   Take for example the very public ‘LinkedIn Sexism’ row that exploded into our newspapers a few days ago, which has very quickly escalated a fairly (dare I say it) non event into a full on sexism row.

Now the cynical PR in me senses an ulterior, publicity focused, motive here.  Why I hear you ask?  Well firstly the lady in question is a human rights barrister, currently specialising in a PHD in FGM, so her outrage at being objectified in this manner shows potential clients that she is staunchly and unwavering in her defence of women being objectified.  Secondly the speed in which the media has picked up on was astonishing with a double page spread in the Evening Standard the next day, which as a highly intelligent woman she must have been aware that this might be the outcome, especially with the subject of equality of the sexes being so prevalent in the media.  Thirdly her professions of ‘I knew this could be career suicide’ is a subtle message to potential clients of ‘I will fight for you and am not afraid of the consequences’, which can only endear her to potential solicitors and clients.

Now I am not necessarily saying this as a bad thing, in fact as a PR professional I am impressed at the way she has handled the whole incident, and I would place a fair bet on us seeing future articles on her titled ‘Barrister in Sexism Row wins Landmark Case’, one thing is for certain any negative comments around her response will only serve to help her career in the long run, and that in PR is a real art.