We’ve referenced BP quite a bit lately – and for good reason. The spill in the Gulf has become the biggest ecological disaster in US history and has become a text book example of what not to do in a crisis situation.

We’ve detailed some of BP’s past failings in previous blog posts, but this latest MSNBC article puts a spotlight on one of the more ubiquitous tussles we find in the boardrooms of corporate American companies – the power struggle between PR/communications people and corporate attorneys.

As we’ve explained before, transparency and accountability are fundamental necessities for any company in a crisis situation. Hiding from problems only make them grow bigger and misinforming the public will only lead to greater scrutiny. Yet in every crisis, the attorney’s who have the CEO ears will argue to do just that – sidestep responsibility, issue vague statements and, generally, plead innocent.

Good, maybe, in the court of law. Very bad in the court of public opinion.