Resolving Public Records and Open Meeting Disputes

The unique procedural issues of bringing and defending public records law suits

September 16, 2013
Marquette Hotel in Minneapolis, MN

Why You Should Attend

Minnesota’s Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and Open Meeting Laws have long been a critical tool for citizens seeking access to public records to monitor the behavior of government. Recently, the MGDPA has entered an activist era with more and more citizens submitting MGDPA requests and employing the available remedies when they are denied. Public agencies have had to take even more seriously the civil and criminal consequences of a wrongful denial of such requests, while balancing their obligation to protect the data from public view where appropriate.

This program will examine these current developments from the perspective of attorneys who have been in the field dealing with the unique procedural issues associated with making such MGDPA requests, as well as bringing and responding to MGDPA-related claims. You will learn practical information for requestors and government officials dealing with public records requests, including requestors pursuing the legal and administrative remedies when they feel denial is not justified, and proactive legal steps for handling serial and continuing requests. You will hear a “view from the bench” from The Honorable Tammy L. Pust, Chief Administrative Law Judge at the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings. A special panel on transparency versus privacy and confidentiality will discuss issues under laws seeking to limit access for privacy reasons. Another panel will address the risks of disclosing sensitive proprietary business information. This seminar will provide invaluable assistance to the legal practitioners and members of the public who wish to learn how to take full advantage of the MGDPA and Open Meeting Laws, and the steps to take when their access is inappropriately limited.

Sign up soon.

~ Program Co-Chairs: David M. Aafedt, Esq. of Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A. and Randy Lebedoff, Esq. of Star Tribune Media Company LLC

What You Will Learn

• Statutory overview and legislative developments: Minnesota’s Open Meetings Law and Data Practices Act (MGDPA)
• Requestor’s perspective on current decisional trends
• Practical tips for public entities dealing with tricky requests
• A view from the bench on public records litigation
• Transparency vs. privacy/confidentiality
• Negotiating and structuring commercial transactions between government agencies and contractors: Minimizing risks of disclosing proprietary business information
• Ethics: Managing client relationships and maintaining public sector privileges

More information and registration materials can be found online: 
http://www.lawseminars.com/detail.php?SeminarCode=13PRAMN

MNA Members are eligible for a $100 tuition discount!