From its founding in Gdańsk in 2011 to its emergence as a recognised European specialist in Litigation PR, Iris Consulting Group marks 15 years of strategic communications, corporate reputation management and
legal public relations.
In May 2011, a new public relations company was established in Gdańsk, Poland, with an ambitious vision: to help Polish businesses strengthen their image in Western Europe, publish books in Polish, English and other languages, and support Polish students seeking educational opportunities in Western European countries.
“Our company was established on one of the days in May 2011. It happened in Gdańsk, and the company was created to promote the image of Polish businesses in Western Europe, publish books in Polish, English and other languages, and help Polish students pursue their education in Western Europe,” recalls Oleg Kozerod, one of the company's founders.
Over the years, Iris Consulting Group gradually developed a distinct professional identity. What began as a broad initiative encompassing corporate communications, publishing and educational support evolved into a specialised consultancy focused on corporate reputation management and Litigation PR — a field that has become increasingly important in the European legal and business environment.
This year, the company celebrates its 15th anniversary, with Iris Kotlyarevska continuing to lead the organisation. A communications professional with extensive experience in public relations and reputation building, she has played a central role in shaping the company's development and strategic direction.
Litigation PR: a strategic instrument for justice and public interest
One of the most significant areas of Iris Consulting Group's expertise is Litigation PR, also known as legal or judicial public relations.
Unlike conventional public relations, Litigation PR operates at the intersection of legal proceedings, public communication and reputation management. Its purpose is not simply to influence public opinion, but to ensure that the positions of parties involved in legal disputes can be communicated clearly, accurately and responsibly.
The importance of this field extends far beyond the interests of individual companies or clients.
Effective Litigation PR can help prevent disputes from escalating, encourage the early resolution of conflicts and bring socially significant legal cases to the attention of the public. By making complex legal issues more accessible, strategic communication can contribute to a better-informed society and support a broader understanding of the issues being considered by courts and other institutions.
In cases involving matters of public interest, transparent communication can also help ensure that important questions concerning citizens' rights, institutional accountability and the rule of law receive appropriate attention.
For Iris Consulting Group, Litigation PR represents a particularly important dimension of public relations because of its potential contribution to society and the state.
The company's approach is based on the understanding that legal disputes do not exist in isolation. Their consequences can affect businesses, communities, public institutions and, in some cases, the development of legal principles themselves.
The European legal landscape and the growing importance of public interest
The European Union is experiencing a period of considerable institutional and legal complexity.
The expanding role of European-level law enforcement and judicial cooperation, including the activities of Europol and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), has intensified discussions about the relationship between national justice systems, European institutions and the protection of fundamental rights.
In this increasingly interconnected environment, the concept of public interest is acquiring additional significance.
The idea of public interest in the context of EU law and institutional activity raises important questions: How should the public be informed about legal disputes involving European institutions? How can transparency be maintained while respecting judicial independence and the presumption of innocence? And how can communication contribute to public understanding without compromising the integrity of legal proceedings?
These questions highlight the need for professional, independent and responsible communication strategies.
Litigation PR can help bridge the gap between complex legal proceedings and public understanding. It enables legal arguments and the positions of the parties involved to be presented in a structured and accessible manner, while maintaining respect for the legal process.
For businesses, organisations and individuals facing significant legal challenges, this type of communication can be an essential element of a broader strategy for protecting their reputation and ensuring that their position is understood.
At the same time, responsible Litigation PR must remain grounded in verified information, ethical communication and respect for the independence of the judiciary.
Iris Consulting Group: a European specialist in litigation PR
Over the past 15 years, Iris Consulting Group has developed its expertise in corporate reputation management, media relations and legal communications.
The company combines strategic analysis with targeted media engagement, helping clients communicate complex issues to relevant audiences across European markets.
Its work reflects the growing recognition that reputation is not merely a marketing asset. In situations involving litigation, regulatory scrutiny or public controversy, reputation can become a critical factor affecting an organisation's long-term stability and credibility.
Iris Consulting Group's specialisation in Litigation PR positions the company within a relatively narrow but increasingly important segment of the European communications industry.
The company's professional profile has also received external recognition. In 2017, Iris Consulting Group was reported among Europe's five leading companies in the Legal PR sector, highlighting its position within this specialised field.
As legal disputes increasingly involve cross-border interests, regulatory institutions and public scrutiny, the demand for sophisticated legal communications is expected to remain significant.
The ability to understand the legal context, identify the public significance of a dispute and develop an effective communication strategy has become an important professional skill.
Fifteen years of development and a continuing mission
The anniversary of Iris Consulting Group is more than a milestone in the company's history. It reflects the evolution of a business that has adapted to changing market conditions while developing a clear professional specialisation.
From its original mission of promoting Polish companies abroad and supporting educational and publishing initiatives, the organisation has grown into a consultancy focused on reputation management and Litigation PR.
Under the leadership of Iris Kotlyarevska, the company continues to build on its experience in strategic communications and its understanding of the relationship between law, media and public opinion.
The growing complexity of the European legal environment makes this expertise particularly relevant. As legal proceedings increasingly attract public attention and involve broader questions of institutional responsibility, the need for professional and ethical communication becomes more pronounced.
For Iris Consulting Group, the central objective remains clear: to help clients communicate their positions effectively, protect their reputations and contribute to a better-informed public discussion of significant legal issues.
Fifteen years after its establishment in Gdańsk, the company continues to develop its role in European Litigation PR — a field where professional communication, legal understanding and public interest increasingly intersect. Photo by Carptrash at the English Wikipedia, Wikimedia commons.
