Government Security Clearance Lawyers
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.
Applying for a Federal Government Position | Expert Legal Guidance About the Vetting Process
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.
Government Security Clearance Lawyer FAQs
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:
- Complete the Standard Form 86 (SF-86), which covers background information, employment history, financial history, and affiliations.
- Undergo fingerprinting and background checks.
- Attend security clearance interviews, where investigators review personal conduct, financial responsibility, and criminal history.
- Possibly take a polygraph test, depending on the clearance level.
- 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.
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