If You Try Sometimes, You Can Get What You Need: How to Draft Effective FOIA Requests

This program is designed to familiarize attorneys in both criminal and civil litigation with the process of obtaining federal, state, and local governmental information under the Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") and its state counterparts. The program will cover how to effectively draft such requests, the scope of the act, and tips on routinely requested information. The course will compare the federal and state acts and discuss the deadlines, procedure, and most effective methods to request information. It will also discuss an update on case law relating to public information availability under FOIA. In particular, we will focus on effectively requesting routine information on your client, opposing party or witness such as:

1.     Police reports;

2.     911 calls;

3.     Government correspondence and emails;

4.     Personnel records;

5.     Motor vehicle accident reports;

6.     Administrative agency information;

7.     State licensing information;

8.     Disciplinary information;

9.     Military service information.

 
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the types of information available at both the Federal and State level
2. Prepare requests, the mechanics and deadlines
3. Review updates on recent public information act/FOIA act case law and open records decisions
4. Discuss strategies and tactics for effective requests and challenges