Lawyer for Response to Statement of Reasons (SOR)
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.
Defending Your Clearance with Alan Edmunds
Real Client Success Story
After performing open source intelligence gathering on the firm history I went with this firm. I was impressed on how they handle the response to the SOR and hearings. Check out their website, Spotify, and YouTube channel. I was not upset with the price and overall total.
Xavier Cortez, SOR Success Story
Receiving a Statement of Reasons (SOR) indicating that the government intends to deny your application for security clearance or an upgrade can be disheartening. Your career may be on the line.
The good news is that when you receive a statement of reasons that your clearance is about to be denied, you have an opportunity to respond to the SOR. Security clearance may still be within reach. But, it’s critical that you respond promptly to the SOR, and that you respond thoroughly and provide the right information. An experienced security clearance lawyer like Alan Edmunds can be your best resource.
Response to SOR FAQs
A statement of reasons response is the applicant’s opportunity to respond to the reasons the government plans to deny security clearance and persuade the government that the security clearance should be granted despite the concerns they have raised.
A statement of reasons response isn’t just a short narrative explanation–a solid SOR response often runs 25-30 pages. An attorney who has specific experience with SOR security clearance responses can explain in greater detail what type of information and documentation is required and can prepare a draft response for you.
The SOR, or statement of reasons, is a communication from the government that explains in detail each of the reasons that the government plans to deny your application for national security clearance. The SOR is a point-by-point detailed list of their concerns, and may also include other important information.
When you receive an SOR, you have an opportunity to respond. However, your time to respond is limited. And, an effective response takes a lot of work and significant knowledge of what the government is expecting from you and what is required to overcome a decision to deny your security clearance. Your best next step when you receive a statement of reasons is to contact a security clearance lawyer who has extensive experience preparing SOR responses.
The overarching mistake many people make when responding to an SOR is trying to do it on their own. Many of the other common mistakes discussed below stem from not having the guidance of an experienced security clearance lawyer in the process. Some of those common errors include:
- Not responding in a timely manner–an applicant has a limited time from receipt of the SOR to respond, and that time may be as little as 20 days
- Not providing a thorough response to each point raised in the SOR
- Not providing supporting evidence for responses
- Admitting to items that are only partially true rather than clarifying–for example, if an item says that you filed bankruptcy on June 7, 2023 but you actually filed on June 7, 2013, that is an important distinction
- Denying items that are only partially false–for example, if an item says that you have a large delinquent debt to Capital One, you can’t in good faith simply say that’s false because the debt is actually to Credit One
- Lying, whether directly or by positioning facts in a way that is intentionally misleading
- Getting emotional or editorializing instead of giving a clear, concise, factual response to each point
At The Edmunds Law Firm, we have decades of experience preparing SOR responses. We typically provide this service on a flat-rate basis, so you know exactly what to expect upfront. To learn more about how your team at The Edmunds Law Firm can help you quickly prepare the most effective SOR possible, call us right now at (800) 481-2526 or fill out our contact form.
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