Lawyers for Lawyers and the Amsterdam Bar Association would like to cordially invite you to join our seminar “Lawyers representing journalist targeted around the globe” and the presentation of the 2025 Lawyers for Lawyers Award in theatre de Rode Hoed in Amsterdam on Thursday, 15 May 2025, from 15.30 – 17.30 CET.
Lawyers play a critical role in safeguarding free and independent media. Yet, in regions where press freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law are under threat, lawyers defending journalists are increasingly becoming targets themselves. Attacks on media lawyers jeopardize journalists’ right to effective legal representation, which, in turn, undermines press freedom, fosters censorship, and restricts public access to information.
This seminar will explore the growing trend of targeting lawyers who represent journalists. Through panel discussions and personal testimonies, the event aims to raise awareness, foster dialogue among key stakeholders, and develop strategies to protect both journalists and the legal professionals who defend them.
Moderator:
Emiel Jurjens – Media and human rights lawyer with extensive experience representing international media outlets, journalists, and human rights defenders.
Panel Discussion:
Lawyers and media experts from Hungary, Thailand, the United States and the Netherlands will share first-hand experiences of the mounting pressures faced by media lawyers in their respective countries. They will discuss the broader implications for the rule of law and offer insights into how legal professionals can be supported in these challenging contexts.
Speakers include:
- Jacqueline Schaap, President, Amsterdam Bar Association
- Emma Bergmans, Senior Policy & Advocacy Advisor, Free Press Unlimited
- Bea Bodrogi, Human Rights Lawyer specializing in freedom of expression and media law
- Sirikan Charoensiri, Co-founder, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights
- Ginna Anderson, Associate Director, American Bar Association Center for Human Rights
Award Ceremony
After a speech by Jeroen Soeteman, President of the Dutch Bar Association and Juryremarks by Agaath Reijnders, L4L Award jury member, the 2025 Lawyers for Lawyers Award will be presented by laureate 2023, Claudia González Orellana, to laureate 2025, Zola Ferreira Bambi.
Additional information:
- The seminar will be held in English.
- Dutch lawyers can earn one ‘PO punt’ by physically attending the seminar in de Rode Hoed.
Click here to register for the seminar. The concept note and full programme can be found here.
