Michael Verde, head of the firm's Insurance and Risk Management practice, discussed the ethical dilemmas faced by investor relations offices (IROs) in this corporate governance article from IR Magazine. In a dialogue format with Mary Beth Kissane, principal at Walek & Associates and NIRI board member, Michael noted that while what an IRO says to the outside world is regulated, there are gray areas where the IRO's obligations are not always clear. He suggests raising any possible concerns to the general counsel, who can help to clarify the issue. Michael also advises IROs to be added to their company directors and officers (D&O) insurance policy. "If you're in the chain of communication – or miscommunication – to the public," he says, "then regardless of your title you have criminal and financial liability, and that's why you should be on the D&O policy." As a last word of advice, Michael encourages IROs to ask questions whenever they are uncertain about a potential ethical dilemma. ("Got an Ethical Dilemma? Here's What to Do," December 28, 2011)