University of Michigan Confirms Withheld Communication Between Timothy Lynch and Barbara McQuade Following Russia-Gate FBI Correspondence
The University of Michigan confirmed that one responsive communication between University General Counsel Timothy Lynch and Barbara McQuade exists and was withheld in full under attorney-client privilege.
This was not a “no records” response.
The record exists.
The University withheld it in full.
FOIA Response Confirming Withheld Lynch–McQuade Communication
The University identified one responsive record covering the period 2014 through 2018 and confirmed its existence while withholding the document in full.
Timothy Lynch served as lead counsel for the University of Michigan.
Barbara McQuade is a former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan who later joined the University of Michigan Law School faculty and has served as a legal analyst.
The University acknowledged that a responsive Lynch–McQuade communication exists but declined to disclose its contents.
.png "University of Michigan FOIA response confirming one withheld Lynch-McQuade communication, page 1.")
%202.png "University of Michigan FOIA response confirming one withheld Lynch-McQuade communication, page 2.")
Exhibit. University of Michigan FOIA response confirming that one responsive Lynch–McQuade communication was located and withheld in full under attorney-client privilege.
Prior Correspondence to Barbara McQuade
In January 2019, Dr. Myria Petrou sent a letter to Barbara McQuade requesting assistance and providing supporting materials regarding these matters.
No response was received.
.png "January 10, 2019 letter from Dr. Myria Petrou to Barbara McQuade requesting assistance and enclosing supporting materials.")
Exhibit. January 10, 2019 letter from Dr. Myria Petrou to Barbara McQuade requesting assistance and enclosing supporting materials; no response was received.
Follow-Up Correspondence Regarding the FBI Russia-Gate File
In September 2025, Dr. Bradley Foerster sent a follow-up communication to Barbara McQuade referencing ongoing FOIA litigation involving an FBI investigative file exceeding 500 pages.
The communication explicitly identified the file as tied to Russia-Gate and requested clarification regarding any knowledge of, involvement in, or communications concerning that investigation, including any interaction with the University of Michigan.
No response was received.
Exhibit. September 27, 2025 correspondence from Dr. Bradley Foerster to Barbara McQuade referencing the FBI file, Russia-Gate, FOIA litigation, and potential University of Michigan communications.
Subsequent FOIA Requests Regarding Role, Capacity, and Metadata
Following confirmation that the Lynch–McQuade communication existed and had been withheld in full, additional FOIA requests sought administrative and segregable information concerning the withheld record.
The follow-up requests addressed two issues:
- records identifying the role or capacity in which Barbara McQuade participated in the withheld communication
- metadata concerning the date of the Lynch–McQuade communication
The University denied the follow-up requests, and appeals were filed.
FOIA Request — Role or Capacity Records
.png "University of Michigan FOIA response to Request No. 261537 regarding Barbara McQuade role or capacity records.")
Exhibit. University of Michigan FOIA response regarding records identifying Barbara McQuade’s role or capacity in the withheld Lynch–McQuade communication.
FOIA Appeal — Role or Capacity Records
.png "FOIA appeal regarding Lynch-McQuade role or capacity records, page 1.")
%202.png "FOIA appeal regarding Lynch-McQuade role or capacity records, page 2.")
Exhibit. FOIA appeal regarding records identifying the role or capacity in which Barbara McQuade participated in the withheld Lynch–McQuade communication.
FOIA Request — Communication Date Metadata
.png "University of Michigan FOIA response to Request No. 261548 regarding Lynch-McQuade communication date metadata.")
Exhibit. University of Michigan FOIA response regarding date metadata for the withheld Lynch–McQuade communication.
FOIA Appeal — Communication Date Metadata
.png "FOIA appeal regarding Lynch-McQuade communication date metadata.")
Exhibit. FOIA appeal regarding communication-date metadata for the withheld Lynch–McQuade record.
Record Significance
The University confirmed that a Lynch–McQuade communication exists.
The communication was withheld in full under attorney-client privilege.
This was not a “no records” response.
The University has also denied subsequent requests seeking role, capacity, and metadata information concerning that communication.
The record exists. The contents remain withheld.
Attorney-client privilege applies only to confidential legal advice exchanged within an attorney-client relationship. It is not established by title, affiliation, or the mere presence of a lawyer alone.
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Brad Foerster, MD PhD
Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.