Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

  • Established in 1902
  • Firm Size 97

  • Peer Reviews

    4.7/5.0 (225)
  • Profile Visibility [ i ]
    • #4 in weekly profile views out of 259 Law Firms in Lansing, MI
    • #376 in weekly profile views out of 314,785 total law firms Overall
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating
  • Champion Badge Reviewed
About Attorney Awards

Freedom of Information Act

Foster Swift provides advice and counsel to public entities regarding all aspects of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442 ("FOIA"). While public officials are often familiar with, and receive training on, the basics of FOIA, many FOIA requests involve more complex, nuanced, and sensitive issues that require careful consideration and action. We help our clients respond to requests for public records in an appropriate, timely and legally compliant manner, and maintain the confidential nature of information, as appropriate.

Some of the FOIA questions and issues that we frequently help our clients confront include:

  • Does the FOIA apply if a request does not specifically reference the FOIA or is not submitted on an official FOIA form?
  • Must "public records" that are contained on an official's personal computer be turned over?
  • How quickly must a response be delivered, and how can extensions be obtained?
  • What must be done to properly deny a request?
  • How, when, and for what should fees be collected from the requester?

Our comprehensive FOIA services include:

  • Responding to requests for records
  • Assisting with FOIA appeals
  • Drafting and review FOIA policies and procedures
  • Assisting in the resolution of FOIA disputes
  • Representing public entities in litigation involving FOIA disputes and alleged violations
  • Training officials on FOIA requirements, including what constitutes a "public record"

The FOIA is designed to assist the public in gaining access to records and information from federal, state and local governments. Foster Swift FOIA attorneys, through their extensive experience representing public entities, have the expertise to help clients uphold their obligations under the FOIA and navigate through issues that may arise under the law.

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Richard A. Dietz
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Detroit, MI

Business & Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense, Maritime Law, Transportation Law View More

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Mallory Reader
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Grand Rapids, MI

Administrative & Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice, Religious Liberty Law, Government, Real Estate, Litigation View More

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Frank Defrancesco
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St. Joseph, MI

Business Law, Collections / Creditor - Debtor Rights, Construction Contracts, Construction Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Finance, Real Estate & Bankruptcy Law, Foreclosure, Municipal & Public Entity, Municipal Law, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Law, Zoning & Land Use, Probate & Estate Planning, Government Law, Real Property Law, Labor & Employment Law, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord & Tenant View More

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John Kamins
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Farmington Hills, MI

Governance & Securities, Appellate Practice, Arts, Business & Corporate, Comm., Corporate Finance, Entertainment & Sports, Government Law, Public Finance - Bond, School Law Services, Startup Entrepreneurial Emerging Development (S.E.E.D), Securities Offerings View More

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Grand Rapids, MI , 
Holland, MI
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Detroit, MI , 
Farmington Hills, MI
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Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration & Mediation, Discrimination - Unlawful Harassment, Employer Services, Employment Litigation, Labor & Employment Law, Labor Relations, Litigation, Municipal Law, School Law Services, Unemployment Compensation View More

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Paul Millenbach
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Detroit, MI , 
Farmington Hills, MI
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General & Commercial Litigation, Litigation, Mass Tort, Negligence Law, No-Fault Litigation, Transportation Law View More

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Dirk Beckwith
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Farmington Hills, MI

Arbitration & Mediation, Business & Commercial Litigation, Construction Contracts, Construction Law, General & Commercial Litigation, Litigation, No-Fault Litigation, Real Property Law, Transportation Law, Negligence Law View More

Peer Reviews

4.7/5.0 (225 reviews)

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.7/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.7/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.7/5.0

  • Communication

    4.7/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.7/5.0

  • 5.0/5.0 Review for Michael Oliva by a Partner on 07/27/14 in Administrative Agency Practice

    I've known Mike for almost 40 years. He's a first-rate lawyer and a first-rate individual.

    Flag review

  • 5.0/5.0 Review for Michael Oliva by a Sole Practitioner on 07/19/14 in Business Law

    An absolutely excellent attorney.

    Flag review
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

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