This registration form is for Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 10:00 a.m.–Noon ET
This program is also available on:
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
| MCLE Credit: | 2.0 |
| Live-Interactive Credit: | 2.0 (all dates, all formats) |
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a cornerstone of government transparency, ensuring free entry to meetings of public bodies and ready access to public records in the custody of a public body at all levels of government in Virginia. This seminar provides a comprehensive review of the Act, including the latest updates. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of what constitutes a public meeting and a public record, statutory exemptions to mandatory disclosure, and rights and responsibilities under FOIA.
This seminar is essential for any practitioner representing governmental bodies, advising private clients in their interactions with governmental bodies, or working in the media. Both seasoned attorneys and those new to FOIA will benefit from the insights and practical advice provided by our expert panel.
Key Topics Covered:
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and stay ahead of the curve with the latest updates and best practices.
Registration Deadlines:
| Webcast: | 10 minutes prior to seminar. If you register for a webcast the day of the seminar, your e-mail receipt will include a link to launch the seminar and download the materials. |
| Telephone: | 10 minutes prior to seminar Call (434) 979-8253 to register up to one hour prior to the seminar |
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE®.
Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.
MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.
Private recording of this program is prohibited.
Can’t Attend?
E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.
| 10:00 | Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Fundamentals and Updates |
| 12:00 | Adjourn |
Rebecca Randolph, Deputy County Attorney / Hanover County
Alan Gerhardt, Executive Director, Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council / Richmond
Lola Rodriguez Perkins, County Attorney / Surry County
Rebecca Randolph, Deputy County Attorney / Hanover County
Rebecca Randolph serves as Deputy County Attorney for Hanover County. She has over 21 years’ experience practicing law in the public sector. Ms. Randolph began as an Assistant County Attorney for Hanover County in 2006. She was promoted to Senior Assistant County Attorney in 2014, and then to Deputy County Attorney in 2021. During her 20+ years with Hanover County, she has advised county departments, officials, and the county’s FOIA Officer in FOIA compliance. Ms. Randolph has also defended county officials in FOIA litigation, has provided FOIA training to the county’s FOIA officers, as well as various boards and committees, and has assisted in the drafting of Hanover County’s FOIA policy. Ms. Randolph provided advice and legal review during the county’s implementation of JustFOIA records request processing software. Ms. Randolph is a 2004 graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law.
Alan Gerhardt, Executive Director, Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council / Richmond
Alan Gerhardt began working with the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council as a staff attorney in 2004. The Council issues formal and informal advisory opinions, publishes educational materials, provides training presentations, and serves as a legislative forum regarding access to public records and meetings under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Mr. Gerhardt, who earned a B.S. degree from Indiana University and a J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law, was promoted to senior attorney in 2008, and has been Executive Director of the Council since 2017.
Lola Rodriguez Perkins, County Attorney / Surry County
Lola Rodriguez Perkins has spent most of her 25+ legal career working tirelessly in the public sector for local and state governmental entities. This work includes advising, responding, and providing supervision on FOIA issues and requests for information. Ms. Rodriguez Perkins, who currently serves as the FOIA Officer for Surry County, has successfully defended FOIA protections for police officer personnel records in the Supreme Court of Virginia. She has served as the local government representative on the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council since 2021.
