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FOIA Services for Journalists, Organizations, and Individuals

FOIA Requests for Government Records

About the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Enacted in 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. Basically, it’s the law that helps keep citizens “in-the-know” about the government and its activities. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions. 

  • Requestors can challenge outright denials of FOIA requests, inadequate searches for information, or improper redactions. 
  • The District of Columbia and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority have similar systems. 
  • At the Law Office of Deborah M. Golden, we can help you figure out the most efficient way to fight for the information you want. 

Submitting FOIA Requests

How We
Can Help

Any person has the right to review government records. But sometimes the process of obtaining that information can be challenging. That’s why you should seek out the Law Office of Deborah M. Golden. We can help you draft your submission with the correct specifications to obtain the records you need. And should your submission be rejected, we can help you navigate the law, file an appeal, or help you litigate your case in Federal court. More details about some of the specific services we provide are below. 

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We submit FOIA requests on behalf of freelance journalists and other citizens.

Submitting Your FOIA request

Anyone can submit a FOIA request to a government agency whether they hire an attorney or not. One reason to go with our team at the Law Office of Deborah M. Golden is that we will make sure to draft your submission with the correct specifications to obtain the records you need.

Most of all, we can also help you navigate what is more likely to be an exemption (where the government, by law, can keep such information private). And we can also help you save time by crafting targeted requests.

We can help anyone, but we specifically have the background to help freelance journalists who need access to records but may not have a larger institutions’ resources and legal departments. Contact us today.   

Appealing A FOIA Denial

Your initial FOIA request may have been fully or partially denied by a government agency. If you so choose, you can elect to administratively appeal the decision. In some circumstances, this step is mandatory. Each government agency that you submit a FOIA request to may have slightly different requirements and timelines. 

At the Law Office of Deborah M. Golden, we can help you navigate that administrative appeal process or figure out if you can bypass it altogether. Contact us today.  

 
deborah-m-golden-foia-appeal
If an appeal fails, we can litigate your FOIA case in federal court.

Litigating Your FOIA Case in Court

The Law Office of Deborah M. Golden can help you litigate partial or complete denials of your FOIA requests. Because the Freedom of Information Act requires the government to pay attorneys’ fees in successful lawsuits, you may not have to pay to bring your suit. 

Litigation is always an option after an administrative appeal is denied, and you sometimes can skip the administrative process and go directly to court. The Law Office of Deborah M. Golden can advise you about your options and will bring their years of experience to helping you decide the best way to get the documents you want.

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What People Say About Our Practice

Client Testimonials

You must have legal representation of someone who really cares! I connected with Deb Golden at one of my lowest points; incarceration! She not only has a heart for women’s healthcare rights, she’s also very passionate about prison reform! After nearly five years of incarceration, she over extended herself with helping me with navigating through the prison system. Stemming from her contacting prison officials to speak directly with me while housed in the SHU, in less than 2-weeks I was released from the SHU and within 3-months, I was fully released from prison with 10-months remaining on my sentence! I highly recommend Deb Golden Law Firm when seeking legal counsel, guidance or advice when facing legal issues!
T.L.Executive Director, Remember My Prisoners, Inc.
I can't recommend Deb Golden enough. She competently represented me in my FOIA lawsuit, staying on top of all deadlines and maintaining good communication with me and opposing counsel to ensure the process went as smoothly and expeditiously as possible. As a journalist with a busy schedule, it was a relief to know that my lawyer's goals were aligned with mine: ensuring the federal government is appropriately releasing records that are in the public interest. She is not only knowledgeable and effective, she is also a caring and compassionate person with strong values, making her an absolute pleasure to work with.
Angelika AlbaladejoInvestigative Reporter at Capital & Main
Deb is a great colleague and has worked with us for years as a consultant on a long-standing prison litigation case. Her expertise on prison conditions issues is unparalleled. She is strategic and thoughtful. Deb excels at legal writing, client communications and oral advocacy. Most importantly, she is readily pitches in for any work that needs completion and is good-humored despite the challenging nature of our work. A pleasure to work with in every way!
Anna KurienLegal Aid Justice Center
Ms. Golden handled a FOIA case for me against D.C. She filed suit in a very timely manner and then wrote a great brief in response the District’s Motion To Dismiss. We won -- and I got my documents! Also, it didn’t cost me anything since the District paid her legal fee. Excellent representation!!
Geoffrey D. Allen, Esq.Lawyer

plan of action

Contacting Us

When you work with the Law Office of Deborah M. Golden, you’ll get an attorney that’s committed to your success in obtaining the government records you need to complete your journalistic research. Here’s how we help in 3 quick steps. 

01

Connect for a Free Consultation

You can take the opportunity to get to know our firm and we discuss the basics of your FOIA request or other document needs. 

02

We Help Submit Requests and Gather Data

We’ll work with you to get exactly what you need in terms of records, reports, or documents from the government or other entities and stay on top of any appeals. 

03

We Litigate

If your request has been denied, or your records have been overly-redacted, we can represent you in court. 

Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation

We’ll discuss your legal needs and you can get to know us.

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