Government Security Clearance Attorneys

Top Lawyer for Government Security Clearance Applicants Nationwide

When you hire a government security clearance attorney at The Edmunds Law Firm, you get a rare level of knowledge and experience. Attorney Alan V. Edmunds has nearly 50 years of experience with the national security clearance process and has built a national reputation as a government security clearance lawyer. Learn more about how we can improve and enhance your application.

The Edmunds Law Firm handles government security clearance matters for civilians, active-duty members of the United States military, contractors, and government employees at any location across the United States. Mr. Edmunds has extensive experience with all stages of the security clearance process.

Experience, Knowledge & a Record of Success

Obtaining a government security clearance, whether for an individual or a facility, is often a challenge. Getting or maintaining one’s security clearance has a significant impact on an individual’s future. It is important to have accurate legal advice and knowledgeable representation when applying for security clearance, responding to a statement or reasons, or when you’ve been notified that your security clearance may be revoked. Attorney Edmunds focuses his entire legal practice on national security clearance and military law, and puts his deep knowledge to work for applicants like you every day.

Government Agencies That Issue Security Clearances

Government security clearances are issued by the:

  • Department of Defense (DoD)
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • Department of Energy (DoE)
  • Department of Justice (DoJ)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The vast majority of government security clearances are issued by the DoD, which uses the SF-86 application process. An individual’s background and fitness for a security clearance will be investigated by the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management.

How Does the Government Security Clearance Process Work? 

The government security clearance process begins when a department or agency of the U.S. government initiates it. You cannot apply for security clearance on your own. It must be initiated by a U.S. government agency or contractor as part of the employment process.

The first step for the applicant is to complete a lengthy questionnaire known as Standard Form 86, or SF 86. For most applicants, this form is different from anything they have been asked to complete in the past. The form is well over 100 pages long and requires very detailed and precise responses. 

The best time to get advice from an experienced government security clearance lawyer is before you complete this form. A simple mistake or omission on the SF-86 could create delays or even result in the denial of your security clearance

Next, the investigation begins. The scope of the investigation varies depending on the agency and the level of security clearance required, but it is typically extensive. The process may include: 

  • A background check, including criminal history
  • Review and verification of the information in your SF-86
  • A review of the applicant’s finances, including a credit check
  • An interview with the applicant
  • Interviews with past employers and others in the applicant’s past or present life
  • A polygraph examination

When the investigation is complete, the information is forwarded to an adjudicator for a decision on the application. Occasionally, additional information is required at this stage. 

If the adjudicator determines that the applicant may be a security risk, they will provide a Statement of Reasons (SOR) that they intend to deny security clearance. At that stage, you still have an opportunity to respond and fight the denial, but you’ll have to act quickly.

When to Contact a Government Security Clearance Attorney

Ideally, you’ll have knowledgeable guidance from the start, before you complete your SF-86. If you’ve already completed your SF-86 and the investigation is underway, you should contact an experienced government security clearance attorney immediately if: 

  • You realize that you made a mistake on your SF-86 or left something off–this can be more difficult to fix than you imagine, but it is often manageable if tackled very quickly
  • You are asked to sit for a polygraph
  • You are contacted after the investigation because the adjudicator needs more information or has follow-up questions
  • You receive a Statement of Reasons indicating that your security clearance will be denied

How you prepare for or respond to each of these events can mean the difference between approval and denial. Unfortunately, applicants who don’t fully understand the process or what information is required miss out on an opportunity to turn the decision in their favor. For example, most people responding to a SOR on their own don’t provide enough explanation or evidence. A thorough response may run to 25 pages or more. 

Attorney Alan Edmunds knows exactly what type of information and documentation the decision-makers are looking for and has helped hundreds of applicants build a successful case for approval. Working with a government security clearance lawyer like Attorney Alan Edmunds early in the process can prevent mistakes that lead to delays or denial. 

However, you shouldn’t assume a denial is the final word. The Edmunds Law Firm also has a solid track record of successful national security clearance appeals.

Representation at Every Step of the Government Security Clearance Process

The Edmunds Law Firm has in-depth knowledge of and experience with every stage of the national security clearance application and appeals processes. That includes: 

  • Pre-application consultation about possible barriers to government security clearance and what to expect from the process
  • SF-86 preparation and review for accuracy and completeness
  • Assistance addressing errors or omissions in SF-86 responses
  • Preparation for the security clearance interview and any requested polygraph examinations
  • Responses to Statement of Reasons (SOR)
  • Filing appeals of adverse decisions
  • Appeal hearing preparation
  • Representation at hearings
  • Requests to re-open hearings

When it comes to the national security clearance process, there is no substitute for experience. Most attorneys do not have extensive knowledge of the pitfalls and procedures associated with obtaining government security clearance or fighting a security clearance denial or revocation. Attorney Alan Edmunds and his team do. 

Talk to an experienced government security clearance attorney at The Edmunds Law Firm before you take the next step. We will evaluate the details of your specific circumstances and make sure you fully understand all of your legal options. Call us at (800) 481-2526 to arrange a consultation.