Nessel reaches settlement in Progress Michigan’s FOIA lawsuit
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday that the Department of Attorney General has entered into a settlement agreement with Progress Michigan regarding a lawsuit involving a Freedom of Information Act request received by the Department under the previous administration. The settlement includes partial payment of attorneys’ fees to Progress Michigan.
This settlement ends a lawsuit brought by Progress Michigan after the Department denied a FOIA request in 2016 seeking emails from 21 Department employees which were “sent or received using a personal email account in the performance of official functions.” Those emails are missing from the Department’s records, and it cannot ascertain whether they were maintained in accordance with the applicable retention and disposal schedules. Prior to the lawsuit the State of Michigan did not have a policy prohibiting the use of private emails for official business. The state now has a policy that requires all state business to be conducted by state email.
After taking office in 2019, Nessel placed an emphasis on openness in government, including advocating for greater transparency within her own department and other governmental offices.
“The Freedom of Information Act protects the people’s right to inspect and receive public records, including concerning official business that may have been sent or received on personal email accounts,” Nessel said.
Federal Bar hosts Holiday Party online
The Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, will celebrate the season online with its Annual Chapter Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 16, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. via Zoom.
There will be pre-party entertainment with a very special guest from 4:30 to 5 p.m. (suitable to enjoy with or without a significant other and/or kids).
The Holiday Party (proper) will include:
1) A presentation of the Avern Cohn Award (5:05 to 5:15 p.m.)
2) Small Group Speed-Socializing (5:15 to 5:55 p.m.)
Cost for the Holiday Party is $8 for FBA members and $13 for guests.
There will also be an “Afterparty” (with separate registration) featuring a 3 v. 3 Pop Culture Trivia Competition with all event proceeds/donations going to a local charity. Cost for the “Afterparty” is $15 per person or $50 per team.
To register for either event, visit www.fbamich.org and click on “events.”
Catholic Lawyers Society to host Advent Reflection Event
The Catholic Lawyers Society of Metropolitan Detroit will host an Advent Reflection Event (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) on Tuesday, December 8.
Members of CLSMD will gather for 12:15 p.m. mass at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greektown, followed by an Advent reflection with CLSMD Spiritual Director Msgr. Ronald Browne. A luncheon will follow.
To register, email catholiclawyerssociety@gmail.com.
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