FOIA Request to Multnomah County regarding contingency fee contracts on June 18, 2025.
On June 18, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Multnomah County by the Portland Courant. The request seeks detailed information about contingency fee contracts involving the county and several law firms over the past year. Specifically, the records requested include all contingency fee agreements between Multnomah County and any external attorneys or law firms in effect during the last 12 months. Additionally, engagement agreements or contracts with specific law firms—Sher Edling LLP, Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, and Rex Sharp or Sharp Law LLP—are also being sought.
The request was made under the Oregon Public Records Law, §192.410 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
The Portland Courant has expressed its intent to use this information as part of its commitment to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. As a member of the media, they have requested a fee waiver for accessing these public records due to their role in disseminating information and holding public institutions accountable.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
