Government Security Clearance Lawyers

Before you can apply for government security clearance, an agency or department of the federal government must initiate the application process. This typically happens when you are being considered for a job that requires security clearance or a promotion that will require higher clearance than you already have.

Once the process begins, applicants must:

1. Complete the Standard Form 86 (SF-86), which covers background information, employment history, financial history, and affiliations.
2. Undergo fingerprinting and background checks.
3. Attend security clearance interviews, where investigators review personal conduct, financial responsibility, and criminal history.
4. Possibly take a polygraph test, depending on the clearance level.
5. Have past employers, co-workers, and personal references interviewed.

Even small mistakes in form completion or interviews can lead to delays or denials. Working with an experienced security clearance lawyer can help ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with government expectations.

A government security clearance background check is an extensive investigation process. This investigation examines many aspects of an applicant’s life, including: your finances, any criminal history, your affiliations with other nations, your use of alcohol and other substances, and other background items that help determine your trustworthiness, reliability, and your allegiance to the U.S.

Some key factors evaluated to determine whether to grant security clearance are:

• Allegiance to the United States
• Foreign influence, preference or affiliation
• Personal conduct
• Sexual behavior
• Financial responsibility
• Alcohol use / abuse
• Drug use
• Psychological conditions
• Criminal conduct
• Handling of protected information
• Use of information technology

However, any red flags that suggest an applicant may be a security risk can impact the outcome of their security clearance application.

When you apply for government security clearance, you will not be asked to pay a fee. That’s good news, because the security clearance investigation process is time-consuming and expensive. If you’re being considered for a government job or promotion, the government absorbs the cost of clearing you for that role.

If you choose to hire a government security clearance attorney to help you through the process, the cost will vary depending on the law firm and the level of assistance you require. For most people, it’s best to work with an attorney experienced with the government security clearance application process, because the process is long and complex and it’s easy to make mistakes.

At the Edmunds Law Firm, we can assist with everything from preparing your initial forms to getting ready for a polygraph test to responding to a Statement of Reasons (SOR) that your clearance will be denied. But we’ll tailor our services to you–we’ll never try to sell you services you don’t need.

A security clearance may be granted in as little as a few months, but that’s not the norm. More often, the process takes several months, and may extend to a year or more.

The timeline for security clearance approval varies significantly depending on:

• The level of clearance required (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret).
• The federal agency conducting the investigation.
• Any red flags or additional background checks required.

• Missing or incomplete SF-86 information.
• Foreign affiliations or financial entanglements requiring additional investigation.
• Criminal records, DUIs, or history of misconduct.
• Delays in reference interviews or background checks.
• Receiving a Statement of Reasons (SOR) requiring an applicant response.

If your security clearance application is delayed or denied, speaking with an experienced security clearance attorney can help you navigate the process, respond to concerns, and appeal denials if necessary.