We’re Hiring: Legal Officer

Media Defence is a charity that helps media to defend their rights. We support independent media, journalists and citizen journalists who are under legal threat by making sure that lawyers are available to defend them. We engage in strategic litigation to improve the regulatory environment for media freedom. We build local legal capacity by 1) providing grants and added value support to organisations in various countries to run media defence programmes, and 2) training lawyers we work with on freedom of expression and media law. Media Defence is a leader in the field.

About the role

To conduct strategic litigation, provide case support to lawyers representing media and (citizen) journalists, contribute to the implementation of judgments, deliver trainings on media law and strategic litigation, assess grant applications, and contribute with public communications, working closely with the Legal Director, Legal Officers and Grants Officers.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic litigation

• • Developing strategic cases in the field of freedom of expression law and digital rights
  • Undertaking legal and factual research, including on comparative and international law on freedom of expression and related issues, and the legal environment in different countries
  • Case management
  • Drafting and/or editing briefs and other litigation materials as required, including amicus briefs
  • Helping maintain contacts with pro bono lawyers and other Media Defence partners
  • Assisting in the preparation and implementation of Media Defence’s litigation strategy

Grant making and case support

• • Overseeing and assisting the Grants Officers in vetting grant applications and preparing case assessments
  • As the primary point of contact for local lawyers receiving a grant from Media Defence, assessing their need for case support and providing any support that may be necessary, e.g. providing advice on case strategy, reviewing proposed legal arguments or conducting research
  • Analysing case outcomes

Training

• • Overseeing and updating Media Defence’s training modules and materials on a regular basis
  • Delivering trainings on strategic litigation and free speech online

Other responsibilities

• • Assisting Media Defence team members in reporting to Media Defence’s board and donors by providing data regarding Media Defence’s case work in a timely manner
  • Represent Media Defence at meetings, conferences, workshops and to other international organisations as needed
  • Contributing to the website and other materials for external use as required including drafting blogs and legal updates as well as contributing to social media content
  • Contributing to the implementation of judgments
  • Recruiting and managing legal volunteers
  • Identify and carry out any other duties which fall within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post as requested
  • This post requires international travel

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction.
• At least three years’ experience working as a lawyer in human rights or media law.
• A good understanding of international standards on freedom of expression.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a pleasant, diplomatic manner in interacting with colleagues at all levels, contacts and the general public.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills including the ability to manage effectively multiple cases and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English with excellent writing and editorial skills.
• Fluency in Spanish with excellent writing and editorial skills.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly as part of a small team, with a strong commitment to learning and improvement.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relationships with partners and colleagues around the world and willingness to undertake international travel.
• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters.
• High level of personal integrity and commitment to the values of the organisation.
• Passion and commitment to the mission and vision of Media Defence.
• Proficient IT user including Microsoft Office Packages, internet and email.

Desirable

• Knowledge of additional languages.
• Experience of working in different legal systems would be an advantage.
• Experience of working in the Inter American human rights system.

Benefits

• Pension: Contributory pension scheme (employer matched contribution up to max. 8%).
• Annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Office closed between 25 December and 1 January.
• Third Friday of each month off.
• Opportunity to carry over five days into the following annual leave year.
• Days’ start/finish time is flexible.
• Friendly and supportive team culture.
• On joining Media Defence, all employees are automatically able to access professional support through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a digital health app.
• We offer an enhanced maternity and paternity leave package.
• We provide a range of training and development tools to support our employees to improve or develop skills and knowledge for the benefit of both the individual and the organisation.

Equality and diversity are fundamental to our mission. We are committed to the recruitment and retention of individuals from diverse backgrounds and who reflect the diverse communities in which we operate.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please email your CV and covering letter in PDF format, referencing ‘Legal Officer’ to recruitment@mediadefence.org. 

Closing Date: 15 December 2024

Interviews will take place from 6 to 10 January 2025.