- Posted by: NiquelleAllen
- Jun 12,2023
- 0 comments
The Office of Open Government (OOG) will host a series of webinars on various D.C.’s Freedom of Information Act (D.C. FOIA) topics.
The webinar dates are June 13, 20, and 27; July 11, 18, and 25; and August 1. The webinars will begin at 2 pm and will run for 1–2 hours depending on the topic and length of the question-and-answer periods.
Each webinar session covers a different D.C. FOIA topic, and for the webinar links see this flyer. Pre-registration is not necessary.
TOPIC LISTING:
June 13, 2023, “Nuts and Bolts of FOIA”
Facilitated by Chief Counsel Johnnie Barton, this webinar is an introductory course on the basics of D.C. FOIA law and regulations and provides helpful instruction for performing Freedom of Information Officer duties.
June 20, 2023, “Effectively Managing the FOIA Process”
Facilitated by Director Niquelle Allen, this webinar covers the lifecycle of responding to a FOIA request from receiving the request to processing and responding to the request. This course provides comprehensive instruction on how to perform your duties as a FOIA Officer.
June 27, 2023, “Commonly Used FOIA Exemptions”
Facilitated by Attorney-Advisor Anthony J. Scerbo, this webinar covers the most commonly used FOIA exemptions based on the District’s annual FOIA report. This course will also provide instruction on how to properly use these FOIA exemptions, which includes responses and redactions.
July 11, 2023, “FOIA Litigation Update”
Facilitated by Trial Attorney Nicholas Weil, this webinar covers the FOIA litigation process in the District of Columbia and provides an overview of the most interesting and impactful D.C. FOIA cases. Also includes a review of the latest appellate opinions from the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel and how to search for them.
July 18, 2023, “Categories of FOIA Requesters, Fees, and Acknowledgement and Denial Letters”
Facilitated by Attorney-Advisor Sheree DeBerry, this webinar covers FOIA fees and the categories of FOIA requesters who are eligible for fee waivers. The course also instructs on response/communication procedures, including acknowledgement letters and denials.
July 25, 2023, “FOIA Officer Reporting Duties and Searching for Electronic Records”
Moderated by OOG Staff, coordinated by Paralegal Specialist Kimberly Brown. The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer will provide information regarding the annual FOIA report and electronic records searches.
August 1, 2023, “Preparing for a FOIA Civil Case/Defensive Litigation”
Facilitated by the Office of The Attorney General, Civil Litigation Division. Assistant Attorneys General will provide information on how to prepare for a FOIA case. A Q&A session at the end of the presentation will be moderated by OOG.
INTERNAL MCLE CREDIT (for D.C. Government lawyers):
Finally, for attorneys in the District’s Legal Service who have an annual Mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirement, you may complete the Attorney Training Confirmation Form, get your supervisor’s signature, and submit it to Giavanna White in the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel.
Thank you for the advanced interest in the webinars that we have heard from many of you, and we look forward to seeing you over the coming weeks!