When You Need More Than a Filing Tool
FOIAfile handles the request. T Miller Law handles the fight.
If a government agency denies your request, misses its deadline, or improperly withholds records, you may need legal representation. Our FOIA practice covers:
Administrative Appeals
When an agency denies your request, we draft and file administrative appeals citing the specific legal grounds for disclosure. Most agencies have a formal appeal process — and many denials are overturned at this stage.
FOIA Litigation
When appeals fail, we file suit in federal court (or state court for state records laws). Under FOIA, the agency bears the burden of proving that withheld records are exempt. If you substantially prevail, the agency may be ordered to pay your attorney's fees.
Ohio Public Records Act Enforcement
Ohio has one of the strongest public records laws in the nation. Under ORC § 149.43(C), courts can award $100/day in statutory damages for non-compliance, plus mandatory attorney's fees. We pursue mandamus actions in Ohio courts to compel agencies to release records.
Agency Compliance Consulting
We advise journalists, newsrooms, and advocacy organizations on FOIA strategy — which agencies to target, how to frame requests for maximum disclosure, and how to build a records portfolio for investigative reporting.
Do I Need an Attorney for a FOIA Request?
Most FOIA requests don't require a lawyer. FOIAfile generates properly formatted, legally sound requests that agencies are required to process. For straightforward requests — agency emails, public contracts, inspection reports — FOIAfile is all you need.
Use FOIAfile When:
- You need standard public records (emails, contracts, reports)
- Your request is straightforward with no anticipated pushback
- You want attorney-grade formatting without attorney fees
- You need automatic deadline tracking
Hire an Attorney When:
- Your request was denied and you want to appeal
- The agency cited national security, law enforcement, or privacy exemptions
- You're dealing with classified records or sensitive investigations
- The agency missed its deadline and you want to file suit
- You need records for active litigation or regulatory proceedings
- You're a newsroom filing dozens of requests and need strategic guidance
Our Track Record
- Licensed in Ohio with federal practice in U.S. District Court
- Built FOIAfile — an attorney-grade FOIA request tool used by journalists and researchers nationwide
- Experienced in both federal FOIA and Ohio Public Records Act enforcement