Blogs

Polygraph Examinations for Virginia Employees
Published : December 26, 2025

We represent Virginia employees in employment matters. When an employer seeks to use a polygraph examination in an employment context you may need legal advice. We are often asked about whether or not a Virginia employer can require an applicant or employee to take a polygraph examination in regards to hiring or retention decisions. The […]

Tax Issues for Security Clearance Holders
Published : December 26, 2025

As security clearance attorneys, we frequently represent individuals whose tax issues have placed their cleared careers at risk. One of the most commonly overlooked risks to a security clearance is unresolved tax debt or filing issues. Tax-related security clearance issues affect both federal employees and government contractors. While many people understand that an arrest could […]

Defending Federal Employees in Disciplinary Cases: Your Rights and Legal Strategy
Published : December 24, 2025

Federal employees can face disciplinary actions for a wide range of issues, from minor reprimands to proposed removals. When your federal career is on the line, understanding the process and asserting your rights is critical. At Berry & Berry, PLLC, our federal employment attorneys represent federal employees nationwide in disciplinary and adverse action cases. With […]

Can IT Violations Cost You Your Security Clearance? Guideline M Explained
Published : December 24, 2025

Misuse of information technology (IT) is a common and often underestimated reason security clearances are denied or revoked. Many clearance holders assume IT violations are merely workplace issues, but under Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4), improper use of IT systems is evaluated under Guideline M and can place a clearance at serious risk. […]

Questions to Consider for Federal Disability Retirement
Published : December 21, 2025

One of the more usual types of federal employee retirement matters that our firm handles involves the representation of federal employees in the disability retirement process before various federal agencies and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Federal employees thinking about filing for disability retirement should consider the following issues as they debate whether or […]

Financial Security Concerns for Security Clearance Holders
Published : December 18, 2025

Financial security concerns are the most common issues which can result in the inability to obtain or the loss of a security clearance. As a result, it is very important that when a clearance applicant or holder runs into financial issues that they have a security clearance attorney assist and them with respect to the […]

Upgrading a Security Clearance
Published : November 27, 2025

Security clearance upgrades raise potential issues for many clearance holders. For many federal employees, military members, and government contractors, moving from a Secret Clearance to a Top Secret (TS) or Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance can lead to higher-paying positions and more career growth. But with these opportunities comes deeper scrutiny when it comes time […]

CIA Security Clearance Process
Published : November 25, 2025

CIA Security Clearance Process: What Applicants Need to Know The CIA security clearance process is a rigorous background investigation designed to ensure that individuals entrusted with sensitive national security information are reliable, trustworthy, and loyal to the United States. Unlike standard security clearances with other federal agencies, the CIA process is highly individualized and includes […]

The Importance of Character Letters in Security Clearance Cases
Published : November 20, 2025

We often meet with federal employees and government contractors facing security concerns in connection with their security clearances. These employees often ask for us assistance in responding to a security clearance denial or notice of revocation. No matter the security concerns at issue, we find that it is always important and helpful for the individual […]

Loss of Jurisdiction for Security Clearance Holders
Published : November 14, 2025

In the world of security clearances, few phrases are as confusing or as stressful as “Loss of Jurisdiction.” You might see it on your clearance record in Defense Information System for Security (DISS) or Scattered Castles and wonder what it means for your job, your cleared career, and your eligibility moving forward. The good news is […]