RCFP Legal Defense Hotline

Free legal assistance for subpoenas, records access, newsgathering rights, and defamation threats.

Built for journalism

https://www.rcfp.org/legal-hotline · Reviewed 2026-04-12 · Editorial assessment by Mike Schneider — not an independent security audit

What should journalists know about RCFP Legal Defense Hotline?

The RCFP hotline is the first call most US journalists should make when they hit a legal wall — staffed by attorneys who specialize in media law and respond fast.

Best for

Responding to subpoenas, fighting for access to public records, understanding newsgathering rights, and handling defamation threats or cease-and-desist letters.

Not for

Non-US legal issues or matters unrelated to journalism. For international cases, see Media Defence or TrialWatch.

Who Owns This

Owner Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Funding Nonprofit donations

Business model Nonprofit

Pricing

Free

This is an editorial assessment based on publicly available information as of 2026-04-12, using our published methodology. Independent security review is pending. Security posture can change at any time. This is not a guarantee of safety.

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