We all know that our free speech protections exist not to protect the words and ideas that we like, but those that we don’t. Vigorously defending those protections — even when the cause is unpopular and they themselves disagree with the message — is the mission of Copilevitz & Canter, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment law firms.
As professional communicators, we at MAD deeply admire those who battle to protect our Constitutional rights in our complex, hyper-connected, ever-evolving Information Age. And Copilevitz & Canter is a fighter — a powerful brand in the legal community! — but it lacked a clearly defined graphic identity. So we were thrilled to be selected by the firm to develop a cohesive visual statement and website. Our job: redesign all of Copilevitz & Canter’s print and digital communications in a way that respects the firm’s history, honors its mission, enhances its stature and engages 21st-century customers.
Logo
From the start, we believed a torch would perfectly represent Copilevitz & Canter. Symbolizing enlightenment, liberty and personal freedom, the torch bearer casts light into darkness and leads the way. In addition to advising clients inside and outside the courtroom, the firm’s attorneys stay current on First Amendment issues in every state, provide analysis and publish two monthly newsletters, Fundraising & Nonprofit Report and Telemarketing Connections.
Palette
Copilevitz & Canter attorneys revere the history and tradition of law, but we needed a foundation color that spins forward, not back. Beginning with a traditional navy blue, we subtly shifted hues until we landed on a deep teal blue — navy with a whisper of green. This hue supports the gravity of their mission but projects a contemporary vibe. Accent colors of robin’s egg blue, orange and lime enliven the palette and reflect the firm’s energy and fresh insight.
Experience
We collaborated with Robot Balloon in developing the website and newsletters. Because much attention went into the back end, the front-end user experience is smooth.
Multimedia
To authentically tell the story of Copilevitz & Canter through its people, we worked with Untold, whose documentary photography and cinematography are not only artfully stylish but genuine. Brandon Parigo captured staff working in the office through still photography and unscripted audio and video. The result is a multimedia piece on the home page of its new website that shows Copilevitz & Canter is a law firm like no other.