The fixer When big names get into big trouble, they turn to Karen Kessler for help

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Karen Kessler is often known in Jersey circles as a real-life Olivia Pope.
She’s a behind-the-scenes fixer.

But for those who don’t watch ABC’s “Scandal,” perhaps a viewing of “Nashville” or CBS’ “The Good Wife” might also help you visualize what it is Kessler does on a daily basis.

After all, she’s worked on scripts for both of those dramas.

“The thing that amuses me the most is that I’ve had really high-profile, real-life clients,” Kessler said. “But somehow the fact that I’ve worked on two television shows makes people more comfortable with my judgment.”

As the go-to reputation management consultant for clients from New York to Washington, D.C., Kessler was recruited to serve as a script consultant for both shows to address inaccuracies and provide ideas for dialogue and additional characters.

That was easy enough after more than 20 years at Evergreen Partners in Warren — a deceptively boutique public relations and event planning firm Kessler co-founded with Mindy Cohen in 1993.

As head of the communications division, Kessler has made it her business to connect with and protect the interests of some of the state’s most influential politicians, religious and educational institutions, businesses and more.

“We assist high-profile individuals, organizations and corporations when they are facing difficult and delicate times,” Kessler said.

“And if you’re going to represent people who find themselves in some kind of trouble, New Jersey is a fertile state to work in.”

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“What you do or don’t say …” she starts.