Skip to content

Case Detail

[Subscribe to updates]
Case TitleCENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY v. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2020cv01010
Date Filed2020-04-17
Date Closed2022-01-13
JudgeJudge Rudolph Contreras
PlaintiffCENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY a Wisconsin non-profit organization
Case DescriptionCenter for Media and Democracy submitted a FOIA request to the IRS for records concerning Form 990s submitted by 18 non-profit organizations. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request. After hearing nothing from the agency, CMD filed an administrative appeal. After still hearing nothing further from the agency, CMD filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
DefendantUNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2020-04-171COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number ADCDC-7034945) filed by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Civil Cover Sheet, # 7 Summons)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 04/17/2020)
2020-04-172LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) Modified event/text on 4/20/2020 (znmw). (Entered: 04/17/2020)
2020-04-20Case Assigned to Judge Rudolph Contreras. (adh, ) (Entered: 04/20/2020)
2020-04-203SUMMONS (1) Issued Electronically as to UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(adh, ) (Entered: 04/20/2020)
2020-04-304RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 4/27/2020. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 5/27/2020. (DeThomas, Courtney); Modified Date of Service and Answer deadline on 5/4/2020 (ztth). (Entered: 04/30/2020)
2020-05-225Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, or Otherwise Respond to the Complaint by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 05/22/2020)
2020-05-22MINUTE ORDER granting 5 Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer: It is hereby ORDERED that Defendant shall file an answer or otherwise respond to Plaintiff's Complaint on or before June 26, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 5/22/2020. (lcrc1) (Entered: 05/22/2020)
2020-05-26Set/Reset Deadlines: Answer due by 6/26/2020. (tj) (Entered: 05/26/2020)
2020-06-266ANSWER to Complaint by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.(McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 06/26/2020)
2020-06-26MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall meet, confer, and jointly submit a proposed briefing schedule on or before July 10, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 6/26/2020. (lcrc1) (Entered: 06/26/2020)
2020-06-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Proposed Briefing Schedule due by 7/10/2020 (tj) (Entered: 06/29/2020)
2020-06-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Proposed Briefing Schedule due by 7/10/2020 (tj) (Entered: 06/29/2020)
2020-07-107Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 07/10/2020)
2020-07-10MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 7 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall submit another joint status report on or before August 10, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 7/10/2020. (lcrc1) (Entered: 07/10/2020)
2020-07-13Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 8/10/2020. (tj) (Entered: 07/13/2020)
2020-08-108Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 08/10/2020)
2020-08-10MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 8 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall submit another joint status report on or before September 10, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 8/10/2020. (lcrc1) (Entered: 08/10/2020)
2020-08-11Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 9/10/2020. (tj) (Entered: 08/11/2020)
2020-09-109Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 09/10/2020)
2020-09-10MINUTE ORDER: In light of the representations made in 9 the parties' joint status report filed on this date, the Court grants the parties' motion for in camera review. By October 16, 2020, the IRS shall submit the two withheld records and in camera declaration(s). Plaintiff may file a responsive pleading that raises any arguments it has against the government withholding these two documents pursuant to FOIA Exemption 3. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 9/10/2020. (lcrc1) (Entered: 09/10/2020)
2020-10-1610NOTICE of Lodging of Records for In Camera Review by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE re Order,, (McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 10/16/2020)
2020-10-2111RESPONSE re 10 Notice (Other) of Lodging of Records for In Camera Review filed by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 10/21/2020)
2021-01-13MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall appear before the Court for a telephone conference on January 27, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. Specific call-in instructions will follow via email. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 1/13/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 01/13/2021)
2021-01-14Set/Reset Hearings: Telephone Status Conference set for 1/27/2021 at 3:00 PM before Judge Rudolph Contreras. (tj) (Entered: 01/14/2021)
2021-01-27Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Rudolph Contreras: Status Conference held on 1/27/2021. Parties inform the court of the status of this action. Joint Status Report due by 2/17/2021. (Court Reporter: Lorraine Herman.) (tj) (Entered: 01/27/2021)
2021-02-1712Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 02/17/2021)
2021-02-17MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 12 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall submit another joint status report on or before March 24, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/17/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 02/17/2021)
2021-02-18Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 3/24/2021 (tj) (Entered: 02/18/2021)
2021-03-2413Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 03/24/2021)
2021-03-24MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 13 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall submit another joint status report on or before April 30, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 3/24/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 03/24/2021)
2021-04-1914MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Thomas R. Burke, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-8384431. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 04/19/2021)
2021-04-19MINUTE ORDER granting 14 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice : Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.2, it is hereby ORDERED that Thomas R. Burke is admitted to represent Plaintiff pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.6(a). Click for instructions . SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 4/ 19/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 04/19/2021)
2021-04-3015Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 04/30/2021)
2021-05-03MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 15 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall submit another joint status report on or before May 28, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 5/3/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 05/03/2021)
2021-05-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Status Report due by 5/28/2021. (tj) (Entered: 05/03/2021)
2021-05-2816Joint STATUS REPORT by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 05/28/2021)
2021-06-01MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 16 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ordered that the parties shall meet, confer, and jointly submit a proposed briefing schedule on the issue of attorneys' fees on or before June 14, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 6/1/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 06/01/2021)
2021-06-01Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 6/14/2021. (zgdf) (Entered: 06/01/2021)
2021-06-1417Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 06/14/2021)
2021-06-15MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 17 the parties' joint status report, it is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff shall submit its motion for attorneys' fees and costs on or before July 9, 2021; Defendant shall submit its opposition on or before August 6, 2021; and Plaintiff shall submit its reply on or before August 20, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 6/15/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 06/15/2021)
2021-06-15MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that the case is referred to the Circuit Mediation Program for mediation on the issue of attorneys' fees. The parties shall jointly contact the Program to schedule the mediation. Mediation proceedings shall conclude no later than September 13, 2021. If the parties reach a settlement, counsel shall advise the Court promptly by filing a stipulation. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 6/15/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 06/15/2021)
2021-07-0918MOTION for Attorney Fees by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration DeThomas Declaration)(DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 07/09/2021)
2021-08-0519Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Mediation , Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Opposition to Motion for Attorneys' fees and Reply in Support of Motion for Attorneys' Fees by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 08/05/2021)
2021-08-05MINUTE ORDER granting 19 Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time: It is hereby ORDERED that Defendant shall submit its opposition to 18 Plaintiff's motion for attorneys' fees on or before August 30, 2021; Plaintiff shall submit its reply on or before September 3, 2021; and the parties shall complete mediation proceedings no later than September 27, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 8/5/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 08/05/2021)
2021-08-1920NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas R. Burke on behalf of CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY (Burke, Thomas) (Entered: 08/19/2021)
2021-08-2021Memorandum in opposition to re 18 MOTION for Attorney Fees filed by UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Ryan O. McMonagle, # 2 Declaration of Matthew Parrish, # 3 Exhibit A - 6/9/20 Email, # 4 Exhibit B - 6/11/20 Email, # 5 Exhibit C - 7/2020 Call Log of Ryan McMonagle, # 6 Exhibit D - 3/2021 Call Log of Ryan McMonagle, # 7 Exhibit E - USAO Attorney's Fees Matrix)(McMonagle, Ryan) (Entered: 08/20/2021)
2021-09-0222Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 09/02/2021)
2021-09-02MINUTE ORDER granting 22 Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time: It is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff shall submit its reply in support of 18 its motion for attorneys' fees on or before September 27, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 9/2/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 09/02/2021)
2021-09-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Reply to the motion for attorneys' fees due by 9/27/2021. (zgdf) (Entered: 09/03/2021)
2021-09-2423Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 09/24/2021)
2021-09-24MINUTE ORDER Granting 23 Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time: It is hereby ORDERED that Plaintiff shall submit its reply in support of 18 its motion for attorneys' fees on or before November 30, 2021. It is further ORDERED that the parties shall complete mediation by November 30, 2021. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 09/24/2021. (lcrc1) (Entered: 09/24/2021)
2022-01-0724STIPULATION of Dismissal by CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY. (DeThomas, Courtney) (Entered: 01/07/2022)
Hide Docket Events
by FOIA Project Staff
Skip to toolbar