Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği
Lawyer — Legal Unit Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), Istanbul
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) is an Istanbul-based civil society organization defending press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey. Our legal unit provides direct legal representation to journalists and others prosecuted for their expression, monitors trials across the country, and pursues strategic litigation before the domestic courts, the Constitutional Court (AYM), and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
We are looking for a committed lawyer to join our legal unit. This is a demanding, front-line role for someone who wants their legal practice to serve freedom of expression — not a desk job. You will be in court, in detention facilities, and on the road, often at short notice.
Responsibilities
- Represent and defend journalists and clients in criminal proceedings.
- Accompany clients during police detention and custody, including at night and on short notice.
- Conduct prison visits and attend hearings, traveling to other cities as the caseload requires.
- Monitor trials and contribute to MLSA’s court-monitoring and legal reporting work.
- Draft petitions, defense submissions, and legal opinions.
- Prepare individual applications to the Constitutional Court and applications to the ECtHR.
- Contribute to strategic litigation, including precedent-seeking challenges
Essential requirements - Law degree and active membership of a bar association in Turkey, licensed to practice and appear in court.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently and at short notice, including outside Istanbul.
- Availability for detention monitoring outside regular working hours.
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Excellent legal drafting in Turkish.
- Genuine interest in freedom of expression, press freedom, and civil society work.
- Ability to work under pressure, with discretion and sound professional judgment.
Desirable
- Experience in criminal defense, particularly freedom of expression or press-freedom cases.
- Familiarity with Constitutional Court (bireysel başvuru) and ECtHR procedure.
- Prior experience with human rights organizations or NGOs.
How to apply
Send your CV and a short motivation note to [email protected].
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will begin interviews as candidates apply. The position will remain open until filled, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (vacanciesinturkey.com) you saw this job posting.