Digicivic Initiative Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Programme 2026

Deadline: February 25, 2026

Applications are open for the Digicivic Initiative Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Programme 2026. The Digicivic Initiative invites applications for the Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS), a professional development and capacity-building programme designed to strengthen legal responses to digital rights violations in Nigeria.

The Digital Rights Litigation Surgery is a practice-oriented programme that equips lawyers with the legal, strategic, and advocacy skills required to advance digital rights litigation, civic space protection, freedom of expression, data protection, and technology-related human rights. Through hands-on learning, case analysis, and post-training engagement, the programme seeks to build a pool of lawyers committed to public-interest and pro bono digital rights work.

Participants’ Responsibilities

• Participants will be expected to actively engage in training sessions, case-based discussions, and assigned learning activities.
• Participants will commit time to post-training pro bono digital rights litigation or legal support, in collaboration with Digicivic Initiative.
• Senior lawyers may be required to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, or supervision support to early-stage participants.

Benefits

• Practical training on digital rights litigation, strategic case development, and legal advocacy.
• Exposure to real-world digital rights cases and emerging legal challenges in Nigeria.
• Opportunities to engage with experienced digital rights practitioners, litigators, and civil society actors.
• Inclusion in Digicivic Initiative’s growing network of digital rights lawyers and public-interest advocates.
• Post-training opportunities for continued engagement in digital rights litigation and advocacy initiatives.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be qualified legal practitioners called to the Nigerian Bar.
• Demonstrated interest or experience in digital rights, human rights, technology law, media law, data protection, or public-interest litigation.
• Strong commitment to pro bono legal work and collaborative engagement with civil society and affected communities.

Application

Click here to apply

For more information, visit DRLS Programme.