FOIL

What is a FOIL request?

Article 6 of the New York State Public Officers Law is known as the Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL"). This law allows you to request records from New York State or local government agencies.

Are there other ways to get records?

FOIL requests often take 25 days or more to process. You might not have to wait that long. Visit the Data/Records Request page to learn about the data and informational resources OATH has made available to the public. You will also find information on how you can make a request for records directly with the Clerk’s Office rather than having to file a formal FOIL request. The Clerk’s Office can quickly provide respondents or their representatives with information regarding summonses, bills, affidavits, hearing recordings, and more.

If I must file a FOIL request, how do I?

FOIL requests must be made in writing. You can either make a request online through the Open Records Portal or by mail/hand delivery. Please provide an email address with your FOIL request to facilitate OATH's acknowledgment and response to your request.

To Make an Online Request:

1. Go to the Open Records Portal, at www.nyc.gov/openrecords
   
2. Click "Request a Record"
3. Select "Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings" as "agency"
   
4. Be specific about the records you are requesting (e.g. provide summons numbers, date ranges, types of documents, etc.)

What happens after I submit my FOIL request?

Within five business days of OATH's receipt of the request, OATH will send you a written communication: (1) granting the request; (2) denying the request; or (3) acknowledging the request and providing an approximate date for when the request will be granted or denied. 

What are the fees associated with a FOIL request?

If you do not provide an email address with your FOIL request, you must pay $0.25/page or $0.63/disk, if applicable, for copies of records. In addition, if your request is voluminous, you may have to pay a fee for the actual cost of reproducing the records. OATH will not provide the records until it receives payment.

OATH Records Access Officer:
Elizabeth Nolan
Records Access Unit Supervisor
Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
66 John Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10038
844-628-4692

OATH Records Appeals Officer:
Frank Ng
Deputy General Counsel
Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
66 John Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10038
844-628-4692

Questions about specific requests should also be made through NYC OpenRecords by using the “Contact the Agency” link available on every request page.