Application Deadline: April 15th, 2026
Date: June 8th – 11th, 2026
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Media Defence invites applications from lawyers based in Europe to participate in an upcoming litigation surgery, focused on the right to freedom of expression where participants will have the opportunity to learn from each other as well as participate in practical sessions to present and discuss a case they are working on to peers and specialists. This litigation surgery will cover key legal frameworks, strategic litigation techniques, and practical case development strategies in relation to specific aspects of freedom of expression.
The litigation surgery will:
- Equip participants with skills and knowledge to litigate using national and international laws, as well as international mechanisms relevant to freedom of expression.
- Foster a press freedom network and help facilitate engagement with international legal mechanisms and global civil society initiatives.
- Assist and develop working relationships amongst lawyers undertaking such cases in the region.
- Strengthen participants’ capacity to respond to emerging threats to freedom of expression.
- Provide a platform for the exchange of practical litigation strategies and peer feedback.
Participants will arrive on June 8th, 2026, and the litigation surgery will take place in-person, from June 9th through to the morning of the 11th, 2026.
It will feature expert-led sessions, case-based discussions, and peer learning activities. A maximum of 12 participants will be selected.
For successful applicants, Media Defence will provide:
- Return travel from your home country to the Budapest.
- Expenses for travel to and from the airport in your home country and Budapest, as well as a stipend for any visa related costs.
- Accommodation for the duration of the litigation surgery.
- A per diem, the rate is to be determined, for travel days as well as the duration of the Media Defence litigation surgery.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be qualified lawyers who currently work and reside in Europe* see FAQs for country list.
- Demonstrate a working proficiency in English.
- Be in private practice or affiliated with NGOs that promote the right to freedom of expression in the region through litigation.
- Demonstrate an interest in, or knowledge of, freedom of expression, digital rights, internet freedom, or related areas.
- Demonstrate an interest in and, or knowledge of, international and regional human rights law.
- Submit a case study as part of the application, involving a violation of the right to freedom of expression that you are currently litigating or intend to litigate. Applicants without a pending case may instead identify a relevant law, practice, or policy they wish to challenge in court, but must demonstrate both the ability and willingness to pursue the case following the litigation surgery.
- Exceptionally strong applications from lawyers without prior experience in freedom of expression cases, but with a background in litigating other human rights issues and a demonstrated commitment to working in this area, will also be considered.
- The following non-exhaustive list of case topics that can be submitted with the application:
- Defamation (criminal or civil)
- Violence against journalists, including physical attacks and online violence
- Restriction of online or print media
- Online privacy
- Spyware
- National security and its impact on freedom of expression
Media Defence is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion. Geographic and other relevant factors may be considered alongside merit-based criteria to ensure a diverse and representative cohort.
If you need support or have any accessibility requirements to complete your application, please contact us using the details below. For general inquiries, please refer to the FAQs section. If your question isn’t addressed there, feel free to get in touch directly.
How to apply
Please complete the online application or send the completed application form to training@mediadefence.org.
The deadline for applications is April 15th, 2026.
About Media Defence
Media Defence is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to defending and advancing freedom of expression. Through our global emergency legal assistance grant programme, we support journalists, bloggers, citizen journalists, and independent media outlets facing legal threats, harassment, or persecution. We also pursue strategic litigation to reinforce media freedom and seek justice in cases of rights violations. In addition, we run capacity building initiatives and litigation surgeries for legal practitioners, journalists, and civil society actors to promote collaboration, peer learning, and the exchange of practical skills and knowledge.
Please note details are subject to change. For information on how Media Defence collects, uses, and protects your personal data, please refer to our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a litigation surgery?
A litigation surgery is a focused seminar where participants can learn from experts as well as participate in practical sessions to present and discuss a case they are working on to peers and experts. Sessions cover problem identification, legal framing, formulation of human rights arguments, and potential remedies. Surgeries also provide insight into strategic litigation and procedures before international human rights bodies.
Q: I am not a lawyer, but I am interested, can I apply?
Only practicing lawyers are eligible to apply. In rare cases, individuals who are not in practice or other individuals providing legal support to civil society organisations that work on the right to freedom of expression may be considered.
Q: What is the purpose of a litigation surgery?
Litigation surgeries are intended to be a space to equip lawyers with technical legal expertise on the relevant thematic issues. During these sessions, we also aim to facilitate network building, peer learning and the building of capacity to deliver litigation work on freedom of expression.
Q: What is the eligibility regarding participants’ country of residence?
This call for is for lawyers practicing and residing in Europe, including the below listed countries. Legal advisors based in the global north who provide assistance to lawyers working in domestic courts are not eligible to apply; their local partners should apply.
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic (Czechia), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova,Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK), Vatican City (Holy See).
Q: Who covers the costs of participation?
Media Defence will cover:
- Return travel from your home country to Lisbon.
- Expenses for travel to and from the airport in your home country and Budapest, as well as a stipend for any visa or travel insurance related costs.
- A per diem, the rate is to be determined, for travel days as well as the duration of the Media Defence litigation surgery.
Q: How do I request accessibility support?
Please contact training@mediadefence.org with any questions related to access needs for the application.
For accessibility needs regarding the litigation surgery, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive experience and will request details of any requirements with participants once selected.
Q: Can I raise safety concerns in regard to my travel or communications?
Please contact training@mediadefence.org, Media Defence can provide a secure channel for communication to discuss any questions or concerns.
Q: Is there any follow-up?
Yes. As part of our capacity-building efforts, Media Defence supports and facilitates networks of lawyers engaged in defending freedom of expression. By attending the litigation surgery, participants will have the opportunity to join and become part of the Media Defence Alumni community. We host a range of in-person and online events throughout the year and regularly engage members of our network in various initiatives.
During the surgery, Media Defence’s legal team will discuss how we can support participants’ cases and provide tailored follow-up. We will also explore opportunities for further collaboration, including ad hoc legal assistance or formal partnerships on freedom of expression cases. As a non-governmental organisation dedicated to defending journalists, bloggers, and independent media globally, Media Defence is committed to ongoing engagement with participants and their work. Further information will be shared during the litigation surgery.
