The Blog of the Legal Times reports that United States Judge for the District of Columbia Louis Oberdorfer has passed away. While not a major figure in FOIA cases, Judge Oberdorfter handled many of them during his tenure on the court. In fact, the first case I handled at the Department of Justice was assigned to Judge Oberdorfer. His manner and wit calmed a very young attorney who found himself in the Judge's chambers with opposing counsel. I'll never forget Judge Oberdorfer telling me that my client's needed to segregate their material, even if it meant the the requester only got "gobbly gook." He is the only judge that has ever used that phrase in a FOIA context that I am aware of.
My prayers are with his friends and family as I am sure he will be missed.
Comments