Overview:

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a vital way to get information from U.S. government agencies. Although it was designed as a powerful tool to ensure government transparency, navigating FOIA is often messy and confusing. But it does not have to be. Join the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) for an overview on how to make FOIA work for you - from crafting your initial FOIA request, to getting meaningful agency responses, to having an impact with the information you learn.

This session will discuss:

What FOIA does and doesn't do (10 minutes)
Crafting a targeted and effective FOIA request (10 minutes)
Exemptions to disclosure (10 minutes)
FOIA appeals and litigation (20 minutes)
How to make the most of your FOIA productions (10 minutes)

Who Should Attend: All attorneys who use, or are interested in using, FOIA in their practices

PLI events that mention working for an IRC Section 501c3 organizations dedicated to providing direct pro bono representation, the organization may be eligible to receive a PLI Pro Bono Membership which provides free access to PLI programs.