Butzel Long attorney Robin Luce Herrmann partners with the Detroit Free Press and Michigan Community Resources to educate Detroit residents on FOIA
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – For years, Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Robin Luce Herrmann has traveled the state of Michigan to educate journalists on understanding and accessing information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as General Counsel of the Michigan Press Association (MPA).
Now, Herrmann, director emeritus, Michigan Community Resources, will be part of a team of people helping to educate the public on FOIA thanks to a grant of $18,020 awarded by the Community Foundation to Michigan Community Resources and the Detroit Free Press. The grant will allow both groups to share their expertise during a series of in-person sessions to help Detroit residents get to know and use the Freedom of Information Act.
“Accessing information through FOIA is not a seamless process,” said Herrmann. “Together with Michigan Community Resources and the Detroit Free Press we have a tremendous opportunity to educate Detroit residents on FOIA.”
Representing a broad array of clients, Herrmann concentrates her practice in the areas of media law, particularly defamation, privacy, and access issues; commercial litigation, including RICO; and civil rights. As the head of Butzel Long’s Media Team, she advises and litigates defamation, privacy, and access issues, including the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act. She conducts pre-publication review of stories/broadcasts and responds to subpoenas seeking information from the press and newsgatherers. The Media Team advises a broad array of clients, including digital media, emerging technology groups and digital businesses needing advice on First Amendment issues, data protection and cybercrimes.
Herrmann has extensive trial and appellate experience in both state and federal courts in a variety of areas. Herrmann also is responsible for leading internal and external (client) teams involved in multi-million-dollar litigation to conduct discovery, develop strategy, and prepare for trial.
Herrmann was a Professor, Law of the Press, Oakland University, Journalism Department. Further, she is a highly sought-after speaker and presenter. She has been a guest speaker on Law of the Press: Wayne State University, Central Michigan University, and Oakland University.
Notably, Herrmann was named a 2018 Honoree for Michigan Women in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
She also was Co-Editor, The Developing Labor Law, Chapter 30: RICO, 2004-Present. Moreover, she was a Contributing Editor, The Developing Labor Law, Chapter 30: RICO, 1999-2004.
Herrmann is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and served in leadership roles including Chair: Law and the Media Committee 2013 to 2017; Publications and Website Advisory Committee, 2001-2009; and, Editor of the Michigan Bar Journal.
She has co-authored numerous articles including, Michigan Media Law - A News Room Guide; Media Law Resource Center Libel, Privacy and related surveys for Michigan the 6th Circuit since 1993; and, Overview of Defamation Law, published by the Law and Media Committee of the ABA.
Herrmann is a member of the Executive Committee of The Defense Counsel Section of the Media Law Resource Center (MLRC). In addition to leadership roles with the MLRC, she has been a member of the Governing Committee of the ABA Forum on Communications Law since 2012 and is a past Co-Chair of its Women in Communications Law Committee. Herrmann has served as Co-Chair for the Forum’s Diversity Moot Court Competition since 2016.
She also acted as Young Detroit Builders (YDB) pro bono counsel for more than a dozen years.
Herrmann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law.
