Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) / Privacy Act
Specializing in FOIA Litigation
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation and Privacy Act Litigation refers to legal proceedings that involve disputes over the disclosure of government records and the protection of an individual’s privacy rights. These laws are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in government activities, and they give individuals the right to access certain information held by federal agencies.
The experienced litigators at the Federal Practice Group can help you throughout the litigation process with the following:
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): The FOIA is a federal law in the United States that provides individuals with the right to request access to federal agency records. It promotes government transparency by allowing citizens to obtain information about the activities, policies, and decisions of federal agencies.
Under the FOIA, agencies are generally required to disclose requested records unless they fall under specific exemptions, such as records that involve national security, personal privacy, trade secrets, and more. Under FOIA litigation, If an agency denies a FOIA request or redacts certain information, the requester can appeal the decision and file a lawsuit to challenge the agency’s decision to withhold information.
Privacy Act: The Privacy Act is another U.S. federal law that governs the collection, use, and dissemination of personal information by federal agencies. It establishes safeguards for protecting the privacy of individuals and gives them certain rights, such as the right to access and correct their own records held by federal agencies. The Privacy Act also restricts the disclosure of personal information without the individual’s consent, except in specific circumstances.
How Our FOIA and Privacy Act Litigators Can Help
Sometimes, disputes arise between individuals or organizations and federal agencies regarding the release or withholding of information under the FOIA or Privacy Act. If you believe that an agency has wrongfully denied you access to requested records or violated your privacy rights, you can initiate FOIA litigation in federal court to challenge the agency’s decision.
Our experienced team can help you throughout the legal proceedings where the court evaluates the agency’s actions considering the requirements and exemptions outlined in the FOIA and Privacy Act. FOIA litigation can involve complex legal arguments, examination of agency records, and discussions around the balance between transparency and national security, personal privacy, or other protected interests. Our experienced team of litigators stand ready to help.
Get in touch with our team today.
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"Attorney Debra D’Agostino and her team did a stellar job winning two challenging EEOC cases on my behalf. They were extremely patient and thorough throughout the entire process. I can’t thank them enough."
Tonya Dozier
