[edwardwatson]

Even if they have internal counsel (I haven't checked but I'm sure a company as large as Booking.com does), for decisions which have for reputational harm, it's useful to lean on advice from X prestigious third party.

The same goes for using consultants. It's not just about deferring blame for a backlash but lending an air of objectivity and professionalism to the decision(s) made by management.