united-states education fees foia
FOIA for legal fees?
<p>I would like to find out how much my school district is paying a private lawyer to work on a particular matter. Can I use FOIA (the Freedom of Information Act) or a similar state statute for this information?</p>

<p>For purposes of this question, the "particular matter" is not a lawsuit exactly. It is the lawyer doing compliance work for the school district, such as attending meetings, following procedures, responding to U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights investigation questions, preparing and arguing a special education impartial hearing case, and other matters related to special education advocacy.</p>

<p>You can always ask government entities for information.  If you believe that you have a statutory right to the information (e.g., pursuant to FOIA-like laws) then citing that statute and following its requirements for making the request improve your chances of getting a response.</p>

<p>However, ultimately it's up to the agency whether, and how, it will respond to your request, whether made pursuant to a specific law or not.  Some FOIA statutes provide specific avenues of appeal.  And if you think the government has neglected a legal requirement you can petition the courts for redress and see (1) whether they agree with you, and (2) whether they can or will compel the government to do anything about it.</p>

<p>A lawyer told me how to do this: FOIA for the monthly invoices for legal services, during a specified period of time.  I have done so and am now in my waiting period.  If it works I will accept my answer.</p>
