Legal support for Substack publishers
The Substack Defender program offers access to legal support as part of our efforts to uphold a free press and free speech, which we believe are fundamental to a trustworthy media system.
The program provides crucial legal protection for Substack publishers against certain types of claims, including access to advice and support for publishers who face legal uncertainty or pressure because of their work.
Defender has your back
At Substack, we are ardent defenders of a free press. We've seen firsthand that one of the greatest threats to that freedom is the ability of the wealthy and powerful to use spurious legal threats to silence reporting and opinions that challenge their interests.
That's why we started Substack Defender, a legal support program for independent journalists and creators. The program provides participants who qualify with access to vigorous defense against such abuses, and contributes to a climate where people on Substack can speak freely.
Through Defender, Substack helps independent publishers oppose legal challenges to their work. Since its launch in 2020, Defender has supported dozens of creators facing alleged defamation, trademark infringement, and copyright infringement claims, among other cases. We're working to expand our Defender support to qualified publishers around the world. Currently, we offer coverage in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and the Netherlands.
Apply for legal assistance
If you publish work on Substack that may attract unreasonable legal pressure, consider applying for Defender.
Publishers commonly receive assistance with cases related to abuses of copyright laws, assaults on First Amendment and free expression rights, and spurious defamation claims. Applications are open to publishers based in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and the Netherlands who have at least fifty paying subscribers. (We are willing to make exceptions in special circumstances—see below for more details.)
How Defender works
Upon acceptance to the program, publishers can request help for specific cases through a legal intake form.
Substack will determine who is accepted into the program and which cases to support.
When a case is approved, Defender will refer the matter to an outside lawyer, while Substack covers associated legal fees up to a pre-authorized sum.
Substack Defender is a tremendous program. As an independent journalist involved in investigative journalism, it is heartening to know I have someone to turn to for legal advice. And on the occasions that I needed to use Substack Defender, the guidance I received was prompt and effective.
The Defender program came in clutch when I felt genuinely scared of a potential lawsuit (and felt very alone). Having access to top-tier legal support not only helped me stand my ground but gave me the confidence to pursue stories that matter, even when they challenge powerful interests. It was a reminder to me that, with Substack, being independent doesn't mean being alone.
Having Substack's backing through the Defender program truly makes it possible for me to keep doing this work, even when it can feel overwhelming. Knowing that independent voices are actively protected and encouraged sustains not just my reporting, but my resolve to keep going. Thank you all for giving me both the means and the encouragement to keep telling important stories.
Within hours, Substack Defender deployed legal counsel on my behalf with a response letter defending my journalism and basically telling the candidate's attorney that we looked forward to the discovery process—something that would only result in more transparency for readers. The challenge to my reporting ended right there. The program has also aided me in pre-publication review, solidifying my reporting before it ever hits inboxes. Substack Defender is an invaluable resource for independent journalists.
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements for Substack Defender?
When can I expect to hear back about my application?
What sorts of legal cases does the Defender program support?
Can I apply if I don't have a legal case to submit yet?
Can I refer my own lawyer to be subsidized under the program?
Does Substack provide legal guidance?
What about publishers outside of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and the Netherlands?
Is Substack Defender an insurance replacement?
If I am accepted into Substack Defender, what happens next?
