As recently highlighted by The Jersey Vindicator, Walter M. Luers has filed a lawsuit on behalf of government transparency advocate John Paff seeking access to records related to the departures of two former Rutgers University athletics officials.
Walter filed the lawsuit on behalf of Paff to challenge Rutgers University's denial of requests made under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and the common law right of access. The requests seek records concerning the departures of former Athletic Director Patrick Hobbs and former Chief Operating Officer Michael Szul, including any separation, severance, or resignation agreements that may exist.
The lawsuit alleges that the requested records are subject to public disclosure and seeks judicial review of Rutgers' decision to withhold them. The action highlights the ongoing importance of government transparency and public access to records involving publicly funded institutions. Walter regularly handles matters involving public records, government transparency, and access to information under OPRA. Cases such as this one underscore the critical role that public records laws play in ensuring accountability and public oversight.
The matter is currently pending in Middlesex County Superior Court.
Walter M. Luers is a partner with Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP, where he represents individuals, businesses, and organizations in complex litigation matters, including cases involving public records access and government accountability, as well as civil rights.