Skill: public-records-research-specialist / legal-research-specialist
Time: ~45 minutes to draft; months for response

Goal

Maximize clarity and appealability of a federal FOIA request.

Steps

1. Identify the correct agency component and FOIA office portal.
2. Narrow the request: date range, document types, custodian if known.
3. Ask for electronic delivery format; specify fee waiver basis if nonprofit/educational and policy allows.
4. Include contact and alternative scope if they need to negotiate narrowing.
5. Track acknowledgment number; calendar 20-business-day baseline (often slips — log delays).
6. On denial, map exemption cited to your appeal outline (consult counsel for legal advice).

Pitfalls

• Fishing expeditions get rejected or stalled.
• State FOIA differs — use state-specific guides.

Next steps

• Tutorial — PACER court records search