Find support from lawyers, law firms, and other legal services across Europe providing assistance to those targeted by SLAPPs and legal intimidation.
The following map provides an overview of the lawyers, law firms, legal organisations and funds across Europe that are able to support SLAPP victims on a pro bono (i.e. without charge) or reduced fee basis.
These legal services have indicated to CASE their willingness and capacity to deal with SLAPPs. They have an expertise in a range of relevant areas of law that may be relevant when dealing with SLAPPs, including media law, intellectual property law, criminal law, corporate law and fundamental rights. We have indicated where these services have capacity to advise and where they have capacity to represent SLAPP victims.
The contents of this map are based on publicly available information and information disclosed by the legal services themselves. Its contents are provided for informational purposes only.
The legal services included in the map perform their professional services on an independent basis. CASE and its members do not engage or make any warranty on behalf of the services included in the map.
In particular, each legal service is regulated by the laws and the rules of professional conduct applicable in the jurisdiction in which they practice. CASE and its members do not warrant respect for such rules by the legal services included in the map.
We will be working to expand this map in the months to come and would warmly welcome applications to join the network. If you provide legal services to those facing SLAPPs, we would love to hear from you – please use this form to get in touch!
European wide services
The following groups can provide services to public watchdogs across Europe.
Name | Eligible Watchdogs | Type of Support | How to Apply | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
PILnet | All public watchdogs | Pro bono legal representation | Apply via https://www.pilnet.org/access-legal-help/get-legal-assistance/global/ | Email clearinghouse@pilnet.org And see website for more details: www.pilnet.org |
PRO BONO EUROPE (powered by THE GOODLOBBY) | Any non-profit | Pro bono legal representation | Apply via https://www.thegoodlobby.eu/form-matchmaking/ | Email francesco@thegoodlobby.eu |
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) | Journalists and media organisations | Pro bono legal advice, guidance, and external assistance | Apply via https://www.ecpmf.eu/support/legal-support/ | Email flutura.kusari@ecpmf.eu Or Signal: +49 176 43839637 |
Media Defence | Journalists, bloggers and independent media across the world | Pro bono legal representation and financial support | Apply via https://www.mediadefence.org/apply-for-case-support/ | Email info@mediadefence.org |
Advocates for International Development (A4ID) | NGOs, particularly those working on sustainable development for the benefit of low to middle income or Official Development Assistance-eligible countries | Pro bono legal advice | Note: limited legal networks outside the UK. To apply, register as a development partner via https://www.a4id.org/get-involved/becoming-a-development-partner/ | Email probono@a4id.org |
Free Press Unlimited | Journalists | Legal defence fund | Apply via https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/application-form-reporters-respond | Email legalfund@freepressunlimited.org or phone +31 20 8000 400 |
Rory Peck Trust | Professional Freelance Journalists | Legal defence fund | Apply via https://rorypecktrust.org/how-we-help/crisis-fund/ | Email info@rorypecktrust.org or phone +44(0)203 219 7867 |
The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice | Nonprofit organisations, small media companies, and freelance journalists operating in the public interest | Team of US attorneys with global pro bono network of lawyers/legal services | Apply directly via contact address (see right) | Email Carla Pierini at CPierini@nycbar.org |
Reporters Shield | Membership program to defend investigative reporting from legal threats | Organisations can participate if they meet eligibility criteria and pay an annual fee based on several factors, including the location of the outlet and the number of stories published per year. | Apply via https://www.reporters-shield.org/application/ | Jodi Blankenship jodi.blankenship@reporters-shield.org |