Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law: Reducing Time and Expense

This event qualifies for Varied CLE, ICRM

Gain a refresher on Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Decrease time and expense when responding to requests.

The Right-to-Know Law has impacted every Commonwealth and local agency since passage in 2009. The law requires agencies to promptly respond to requests for public records, and gives requesters administrative and judicial remedies if agencies fail to comply. This topic is designed to inform agencies how to reduce time and expense in responding to RTK requests in compliance with statutory duties. Tips to reduce time and expense include suggestions on record retention polices. Address legal developments, including specific caselaw, so that agency counsel or municipal solicitors can make a winning case in the Office of Open Records or in the courts.

Learning Objectives

- You will be able to identify specific exceptions from public disclosure.

- You will be able to recognize practice before the Office of Open Records and the Courts.

- You will be able to explain processing requests.

- You will be able to review the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL).

Speaker and Presenter Information

Joshua D. Bonn

Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, LLP

Associate Attorney at Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, LLP, a Best Lawyers, Best Law Firm
Routinely counsels municipalities on compliance with the Right-to-Know Law and also represents individuals seeking access to public records
Briefed and argued numerous open records appeals before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
Barrister member of the James S. Bowman Inn of Court which focuses on administrative law
Pre-eminently rated in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
J.D. degree, Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law; B.A. degree, magna cum laude, Lock Haven University
Can be contacted at 717-236-3010 ext. 26 or jbonn@nssh.com

Craig J. Staudenmaier, Esq.

Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, LLP

Managing partner at Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, LLP, a Best Lawyers, Best Law Firm
Represents news media, business and private citizen requesters in RTK matters
Conducts regular seminars and workshops on RTKL for journalists, businesses, public officials and employees, attorneys and judges
Super Lawyer, Best Lawyer
Written RTKL articles for publication in The Pennsylvania Lawyer, the Pennsylvania Bar Association Quarterly
J.D. degree, Dickinson School of Law; B.A. degree, summa cum laude, Washington & Jefferson College
Can be contacted at 717-236-3010 ext. 22 or cjstaud@nssh.com