Security Clearance Responses and Appeals
When a Statement of Reasons (SOR), Notice of Intent to Revoke, or Notice of Suspension in connection with a security clearance is issued by a federal agency, it is important to take the matter very seriously. If the SOR or Notice is not responded to appropriately or in a timely fashion, an individual runs the risk of potentially losing his or her security clearance and employment. We represent individuals nationwide in the security clearance process. Our security clearance practice page can be found here.
Every Agency has their Own Clearance Process
Each federal agency has its own internal procedures for the security clearance appeals process based on the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, in SEAD 4. Depending on the federal agency, the process for security clearance appeals varies, but include, under Executive Order 12968, the ability to provide a formal written response (with affidavits and exhibits) and the opportunity to present an individual’s case in a personal appearance or an administrative hearing.
Response Process
As it is with each federal agency, the response process varies somewhat between them. This includes the written response process. We are well-versed in preparing security clearance responses before all of the different federal agencies. These responses need to be comprehensive and address not only the security concerns, but also key mitigating factors. Additionally, a well-drafted response should include a complete discussion of the Whole-Person Concept describing the character of the individual involved.
Agencies that we Frequently Represent Individuals Before
Our experienced attorneys have assisted numerous federal employees, military personnel, and federal contractors throughout the United States and abroad in all stages of the security clearance process by providing legal advice or representation before all federal agencies such as:
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Defense (DoD, Navy, USAF, Army)
- Department of Energy
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Homeland Security (USCIS, CBP, USCG, CISA, FEMA, ICE, USSS, TSA)
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Justice (FBI, DEA, BOP)
- Department of State
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Treasury
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- National Reconnaissance Office
- National Security Agency
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Contact Us
When facing a security clearance issues, it is important to obtain legal representation in order to provide the best opportunity to maintain an individual’s security clearance. Our law firm represents and advise individuals in preparing security clearance responses in the appeals process. We can be contacted at www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at (703) 668-0070.
