University of Michigan Confirms Withheld Communication Between Lead Counsel Timothy Lynch and Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade
This record documents a University of Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) response confirming that one responsive communication between University lead counsel Timothy Lynch and Barbara McQuade exists and was withheld in full under the attorney-client privilege exemption.
FOIA Response Confirming Withheld 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 serves 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 response was not a “no records” determination.
The University acknowledged that a responsive communication exists but declined to disclose its contents.
.png "FOIA Denial Confirming Withheld Lynch–McQuade Communication #1")
%202.png "FOIA Denial Confirming Withheld Lynch–McQuade Communication #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 2019 Letter to Barbara McQuade Requesting Assistance")
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 FBI File and FOIA Litigation
In September 2025, Dr. Bradley Foerster sent a follow-up communication to Barbara McQuade referencing a litigated FOIA appeal and newly confirmed FBI records.
In that correspondence, Dr. Foerster explicitly informed Barbara McQuade that the FBI file—totaling more than 500 pages—is tied to Russia-Gate.
The communication further requested clarification as to whether Barbara McQuade had knowledge of, involvement in, or communications regarding that FBI investigation, including any interaction with the University of Michigan during the relevant period.
No response was received.
Exhibit. September 27, 2025 correspondence from Dr. Bradley Foerster to Barbara McQuade referencing a litigated FOIA appeal, identifying the FBI file as related to Russia-Gate, and requesting clarification regarding knowledge, involvement, or communications concerning that investigation.
Record Significance
The University confirmed the existence of a Lynch–McQuade communication while withholding its contents in full.
This was not a “no records” response.
The record exists and was withheld under a claim of attorney-client privilege.
That privilege applies only to confidential legal advice exchanged within an attorney-client relationship. It is not established by title, affiliation, or the presence of a lawyer alone.
Related Reporting
- DOJ Confirms 500+ Page FBI File on Bradley Foerster in Russia-Gate FOIA Case; Records Set for Release May 4, 2026
- President Grasso Denies Foerster FOIA Appeal – UMPD Police Report Referenced in AAPD Communication (Dr. Eva Feldman)
- Ann Arbor Independent Community Police Oversight Committee Review of $1.4M Missing Funds From Sheriff’s Sale
- Dr. Bradley Foerster Files Litigated FOIA Appeal Following President Grasso Denial – Medical Peer Review Decision (Psychiatry)
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.