Working with lawyers 

Part of Media Defence’s mission is to provide support to lawyers who represent journalists. We do this by providing knowledge exchange opportunities, such as litigation surgeries and in-depth exploration of specific legal issues. We also support lawyers with their cases. This can range from advising on case strategy to helping develop legal arguments on freedom of expression issues.

Over the years our global network has grown to over 500 lawyers defending journalists. In 2024, Media Defence delivered a mix of in-person and online activities further strengthening this network.

This included five litigation surgeries – including in South and Southeast Asia for women lawyers – quarterly know-how sessions, and our peer-to-peer mentoring programme. A total of 133 lawyers took part, enhancing legal expertise, fostering collaboration, and expanding our community. 2024 marked two firsts: our inaugural litigation surgery in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and our first Portuguese-language surgery in Lusophone Africa.

“South Asian societies are mostly patriarchal. Media Defence’s training gave women lawyers not only the tools, but the encouragement to continue defending rights, knowing they are not alone.” – Manushika Cooray, Human Rights Lawyer from Sri Lanka and South and Southeast Asia litigation surgery participant

In order to ensure our collaboration with these lawyers is both effective and sustainable, it is essential that we gather meaningful feedback and monitor impact. To achieve this, we use several methods. First, we conduct litigation surgery feedback surveys; second, we carry out an annual Lawyer Impact Survey.

More information can be found here.