Statement of Reasons (SOR) Response Legal Assistance

Among the Nation’s Leading Security Clearance Attorneys

Your efforts to obtain a security clearance can be denied for any reason. Due to the security concerns and constraints of the United States post-9/11, federal agencies default to denial of security clearance when there is any question. If you were denied security clearance, you should be issued a “Statement of Reasons” (SOR) detailing the basis for the denial and why granting clearance would not be “clearly consistent with the interests of national security.” This notice requires a response within a set period of time and can include other important information. A Security Clearance Statement of Reasons – if answered correctly – can result favorably for the individual.

Our nationwide security clearance attorneys at The Edmunds Law Firm have been successfully representing individuals across the country in such cases since 1976. We understand the guidelines for denial and have an excellent track record in effectively helping our clients file applications and appeals. After receiving your SOR, drafting your reply is one of the most crucial aspects of the appeal. It’s a good time to call an attorney if you do not already have one.

Basic Information Regarding the National Security Clearance Process

The Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance problems are handled quite frequently at The Edmunds Law Firm. The DoD which has headquarters in Alexandria, VA and field offices across the country is the main source of security clearances in the U.S. An agency within the DoD, the Defense Security Service (DSS), provides security support services to federal defense agencies and the military, and over 20 other federal agencies, and it’s the DSS that processes DoD security clearances.

When a DoD security clearance is denied, or when the DoD security clearance that an individual already possessed is revoked, the person may receive a document called a “Statement of Reasons,” or a document called “Letter of Intent to Revoke” or “Decision to Revoke.”

• These documents may give details about the denial or revocation that concern one or more aspects of the individual’s past, including:
• Criminal history
• Drug and alcohol use
• Education
• Financial and credit history
• Personal conduct

How Do I Reply to a Statement of Reasons AKA SOR?

In your SOR packet, you will receive a two-page cover letter with information about filing a response. Your response is also called an Appeal Brief. The packet also contains a form that you should use as the final page in your SOR response. At the bottom of the form is a “jurat,” which requires a notarized signature stating that the contents of the SOR response are accurate and truthful.

• You can also use this form to:
• Request a hearing before an administrative judge with the Department of Hearings & Appeals (DOHA); OR
• Request an administrative judge’s decision based only on the written response

Writing Your Appeal Brief

Your response to the SOR is known as the Appeal Brief. You must file your Appeal Brief within 45 days of the date on the SOR-the date of the judge’s decision.

• Your Appeal Brief must contain:
• Your belief that the judge’s statement and decision were wrong
• No new evidence

The SOR packet fails to include a good deal of information helpful for filing your Appeal Brief-such as the fact that your response may include supporting documents, letters of recommendation, and other forms of favorable evidence attesting to your character. Our team at The Edmunds Law Firm has over 40 years of experience in handling these matters. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney when responding to an SOR. This document is an extremely important aspect of the clearance process. Our team can help you correctly prepare and enhance your response.

Contact the Security Clearance Team at The Edmunds Law Firm for Help With Your SOR Response: (800) 481-2526

If you have been denied security clearance, the repercussions could affect your professional life and more. Don’t lose hope! Request a consultation with a national security clearance lawyer at The Edmunds Law Firm today. We’ll be happy to tell you more about how our team can help you prepare and present your SOR response. Remember: It’s important to act fast, as you have only 45 days from the date of the judge’s decision to file your SOR response.

Call The Edmunds Law Firm at (800) 481-2526 now for more information or to arrange a private consultation with our nationally ranked legal team.