Monan Commission: Thought Leader Communication in the Reshaping of the Justice System

In August 2002, Chief Justice Margaret Marshall appointed a Visiting Committee on Management in the Courts to provide an independent perspective on the state of management in the judiciary and to make recommendations for its improvement. Its work brought a new understanding of the immense managerial challenge that the size and complexity of the courts pose.

Morrissey & Company was tapped to assist the commission with the roll-out of its extensive plan to reshape this system. Morrissey & Company developed a comprehensive external outreach strategy, wrote and assembled all internal and external supporting documents including press release, media kit content, Q&A and executive talking points. Morrissey & Company also provided counsel and guidance in the development of the “Monan report.”

Results

Upon publication of the report, Morrissey & Company’s efforts focused on scheduling meetings with state leaders and executive editorial board members at The Boston Globe and Boston Herald and drafting and placing Letters to the Editor and opinion pieces in The Boston Globe. Print coverage included the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, the (Worcester) Telegram & Gazette and WBUR radio.