Skip to content

Case Detail

[Subscribe to updates]
Case TitlePROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT v. US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2020cv01415
Date Filed2020-05-28
Date ClosedOpen
JudgeJudge Amy Berman Jackson
PlaintiffPROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT, INC.
Case DescriptionThe Project on Government Oversight submitted five FOIA requests to the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice for records concerning various OLC opinions. The agency acknowledged receipt of the requests. For those FOIA requests for which it completed processing, OLC denied access to the opinions based on Exemption 5 (privileges). The agency acknowledged receipt of POGO's fifth request but had not responded to it before POGO filed suit. As to those requests that were denied, POGO filed administrative appeals. After hearing nothing further from the agency pertaining to any of its requests, POGO filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantUS DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Office of Legal Counsel
DefendantUS DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
Complaint attachment 8
Complaint attachment 9
Complaint attachment 10
Complaint attachment 11
Complaint attachment 12
Complaint attachment 13
Complaint attachment 14
Complaint attachment 15
Complaint attachment 16
Complaint attachment 17
Complaint attachment 18
Complaint attachment 19
Complaint attachment 20
Complaint attachment 21
Complaint attachment 22
Complaint attachment 23
Complaint attachment 24
Complaint attachment 25
Complaint attachment 26
Complaint attachment 27
Complaint attachment 28
Complaint attachment 29
Complaint attachment 30
Complaint attachment 31
Complaint attachment 32
Complaint attachment 33
Complaint attachment 34
Complaint attachment 35
Complaint attachment 36
Complaint attachment 37
Complaint attachment 38
Complaint attachment 39
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2020-05-281COMPLAINT against US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number ADCDC-7170237) filed by PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons OLC, # 3 Summons USAG, # 4 Summons USAO, # 5 Exhibit A, # 6 Exhibit B, # 7 Exhibit C, # 8 Exhibit D, # 9 Exhibit E, # 10 Exhibit F, # 11 Exhibit G, # 12 Exhibit H, # 13 Exhibit I, # 14 Exhibit J, # 15 Exhibit K, # 16 Exhibit L, # 17 Exhibit M, # 18 Exhibit N, # 19 Exhibit O, # 20 Exhibit P, # 21 Exhibit Q, # 22 Exhibit R, # 23 Exhibit S, # 24 Exhibit T, # 25 Exhibit U, # 26 Exhibit V, # 27 Exhibit W, # 28 Exhibit X, # 29 Exhibit Y, # 30 Exhibit Z, # 31 Exhibit AA, # 32 Exhibit BB, # 33 Exhibit CC, # 34 Exhibit DD, # 35 Exhibit EE, # 36 Exhibit FF, # 37 Exhibit GG, # 38 Exhibit HH, # 39 Exhibit II)(Nabatoff, Ross) (adh, ). (Entered: 05/28/2020)
2020-05-282ERRATA re Civil Cover Sheet by PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT 1 Complaint,,, filed by PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Corrected Civil Cover Sheet)(Nabatoff, Ross) (Attachment 1 replaced on 6/8/2020) (znmw). (Entered: 05/28/2020)
2020-05-29Case Assigned to Judge Amy Berman Jackson. (adh, ) (Entered: 05/29/2020)
2020-05-293SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(adh, ) (Entered: 05/29/2020)
2020-06-064NOTICE of Appearance by Alan Burch on behalf of US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Burch, Alan) (Entered: 06/06/2020)
2020-06-125RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 6/5/2020. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/5/2020. (Nabatoff, Ross) (Entered: 06/12/2020)
2020-06-126RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 6/5/20. (Nabatoff, Ross) (Entered: 06/12/2020)
2020-06-127RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE served on 6/5/2020 (Nabatoff, Ross) (Entered: 06/12/2020)
2020-07-068Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (Burch, Alan) (Entered: 07/06/2020)
2020-07-06MINUTE ORDER granting 8 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. Defendant must answer or otherwise respond to plaintiff's complaint by July 13, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 7/6/2020. (lcabj2) (Entered: 07/06/2020)
2020-07-139ANSWER to Complaint by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.(Burch, Alan) (Entered: 07/13/2020)
2020-07-1510ORDER. Before the Court in this FOIA case are a complaint and an answer. The requirements of Local Civil Rule 16.3 and Rule 26(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure appear to be inapplicable. Defendant shall file a dispositive motion or, in the alternative, a report setting forth the schedule for the completion of its production of documents to plaintiff, on or before August 17, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 7/15/2020. (lcabj2) (Entered: 07/15/2020)
2020-07-2011NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by Kathleene A. Molen on behalf of US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Substituting for attorney Alan Burch (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 07/20/2020)
2020-08-1712Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 08/17/2020)
2020-08-18MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by September 17, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 8/18/2020. (lcabj2) (Entered: 08/18/2020)
2020-09-1713Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 09/17/2020)
2020-09-18MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report to the Court by October 16, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 9/18/2020. (lcabj2) (Entered: 09/18/2020)
2020-10-1614Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 10/16/2020)
2020-10-20MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by November 16, 2020. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/20/2020. (lcabj1) (Entered: 10/20/2020)
2020-11-1615Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 11/16/2020)
2020-12-11MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by December 16, 2020. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 12/11/2020. (lcabj1) (Entered: 12/11/2020)
2020-12-1616Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 12/16/2020)
2020-12-17MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by January 15, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 12/17/2020. (lcabj1) (Entered: 12/17/2020)
2021-01-1517Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 01/15/2021)
2021-01-15MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by February 15, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 1/15/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 01/15/2021)
2021-02-1618Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 02/16/2021)
2021-02-16MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by March 16, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 2/16/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 02/16/2021)
2021-03-1619Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 03/16/2021)
2021-03-17MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by April 16, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 3/17/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 03/17/2021)
2021-04-1620Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 04/16/2021)
2021-04-19MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by May 14, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 4/19/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 04/19/2021)
2021-05-1421Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 05/14/2021)
2021-05-17MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by June 14, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 5/17/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 05/17/2021)
2021-06-1422Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 06/14/2021)
2021-06-15MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by July 14, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 6/15/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 06/15/2021)
2021-07-1423Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 07/14/2021)
2021-07-15MINUTE ORDER. In light of the parties' 23 joint status report, it is ORDERED that the parties must submit another joint status report by August 13, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 7/15/21. (lcabj2) (Entered: 07/15/2021)
2021-08-1324Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 08/13/2021)
2021-08-18MINUTE ORDER. The parties must submit a joint status report by September 14, 2021. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 8/18/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 08/18/2021)
2021-09-1425Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 09/14/2021)
2021-09-15MINUTE ORDER. Per the information provided in the most recent status report 25 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by October 14, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 9/15/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 09/15/2021)
2021-10-1426Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Molen, Kathleene) (Entered: 10/14/2021)
2021-10-18MINUTE ORDER. In light of the joint status report 26 , it is ORDERED that another joint status report must be submitted by November 16, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/18/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 10/18/2021)
2021-11-0227NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by Stephanie R. Johnson on behalf of US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Substituting for attorney Kathleene A. Molen (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 11/02/2021)
2021-11-1628Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 11/16/2021)
2021-11-17MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 28 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by December 16, 2021. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 11/17/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 11/17/2021)
2021-12-1629Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 12/16/2021)
2021-12-17MINUTE ORDER. In light of the status report 29 , it is ORDERED that the parties file another joint status report by January 17, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 12/17/2021. (lcabj1) (Entered: 12/17/2021)
2022-01-1730Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 01/17/2022)
2022-01-24MINUTE ORDER. In light of the status report 30 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by February 17, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 1/24/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 01/24/2022)
2022-02-2231Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 02/22/2022)
2022-02-23MINUTE ORDER. In light of the status report 31 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by March 24, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 2/23/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 02/23/2022)
2022-03-2332Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 03/23/2022)
2022-03-24MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 32 , it is ORDERED that the parties must submit another joint status report by April 25, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 3/24/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 03/24/2022)
2022-04-2533Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 04/25/2022)
2022-04-26MINUTE ORDER. In light of the status report 33 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by May 25, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 4/26/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 04/26/2022)
2022-05-2534Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 05/25/2022)
2022-05-26MINUTE ORDER. In light of the recent status report 34 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by June 24, 2022. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 5/26/22. (DMK) (Entered: 05/26/2022)
2022-06-2435Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 06/24/2022)
2022-06-24MINUTE ORDER. In light of the status report 35 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by July 25, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 6/24/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 06/24/2022)
2022-07-2536Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 07/25/2022)
2022-07-26MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 36 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by August 24, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 7/26/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 07/26/2022)
2022-08-2437Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/24/2022)
2022-08-26MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 37 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another joint status report by September 23, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 8/26/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 08/26/2022)
2022-09-2338Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/23/2022)
2022-10-04MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 38 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by October 24, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/4/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 10/04/2022)
2022-10-2439Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 10/24/2022)
2022-10-25MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 39 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by November 30, 2022. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/25/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 10/25/2022)
2022-11-3040Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 11/30/2022)
2022-11-30MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 40 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by January 13, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 11/30/2022. (lcabj1) (Entered: 11/30/2022)
2023-01-1341Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 01/13/2023)
2023-01-19MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 41 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by February 21, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 1/19/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 01/19/2023)
2023-02-2142Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 02/21/2023)
2023-02-22MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 42 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by March 20, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 2/22/2023.(lcabj1) (Entered: 02/22/2023)
2023-03-2043Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 03/20/2023)
2023-03-21MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 43 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by April 28, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 3/21/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 03/21/2023)
2023-04-2844Joint STATUS REPORT by US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 04/28/2023)
2023-05-02MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 44 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by June 2, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 5/2/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 05/02/2023)
2023-06-0145Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 06/01/2023)
2023-06-06MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 45 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by July 7, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 6/6/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 06/06/2023)
2023-07-0746Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 07/07/2023)
2023-07-07MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 46 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by August 15, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 7/7/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 07/07/2023)
2023-08-1447Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 08/14/2023)
2023-08-15MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 47 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by September 15, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 8/15/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 08/15/2023)
2023-09-1548Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 09/15/2023)
2023-09-1849NOTICE of Appearance by Anne L. Weismann on behalf of PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT, INC. (Weismann, Anne) (Entered: 09/18/2023)
2023-09-18MINUTE ORDER. In light of the most recent status report 48 , it is ORDERED that the parties submit another status report by October 16, 2023. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 9/18/2023.(lcabj1) (Entered: 09/18/2023)
2023-09-1950NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT, INC.. Attorney Ross A Nabatoff terminated. (Nabatoff, Ross) (Entered: 09/19/2023)
2023-10-1651Joint STATUS REPORT PROPOSED BRIEFING SCHEDULE by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 10/16/2023)
2023-10-17MINUTE ORDER. In light of the 51 joint status report, it is ORDERED that: Defendant must file its motion for summary judgment by December 21, 2023; plaintiff must file its combined cross-motion for summary judgment and opposition by January 22, 2024; defendant must file its combined opposition to the cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its motion for summary judgment by February 21, 2024; and plaintiff must file its reply in support of its cross-motion by March 6, 2024. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 10/17/2023. (lcabj1) (Entered: 10/17/2023)
2023-12-2052Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment , Unopposed MOTION to Modify Briefing Schedule by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 12/20/2023)
2023-12-21MINUTE ORDER granting 52 Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant must file its motion for summary judgment by January 18, 2024; plaintiff must file its combined cross-motion for summary judgment and opposition by February 21, 2024; defendant must file its combined opposition to the cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its motion for summary judgment by March 20, 2024; and plaintiff must file its reply in support of its cross-motion by April 17, 2024. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 12/21/2023. (lcabj1) Modified text on 12/21/2023 (bb). (Entered: 12/21/2023)
2024-01-1653Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 01/16/2024)
2024-01-16MINUTE ORDER granting 53 Motion for Extension of Time. Defendant must file its motion for summary judgment by February 21, 2024; plaintiff must file its combined cross-motion for summary judgment and opposition by March 27, 2024; defendant must file its combined opposition to the cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its motion for summary judgment by April 17, 2024; and plaintiff must file its reply in support of its cross-motion by May 1, 2024. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on 1/16/2024. (lcabj1) (Entered: 01/16/2024)
2024-02-2154MOTION for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Text of Proposed Order, # 4 Declaration of Trisha Anderson)(Johnson, Stephanie) (Entered: 02/21/2024)
Hide Docket Events
by FOIA Project Staff
Skip to toolbar