Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
Get Help From a Law Firm That Gets Results in Applications and Appeals
Any dealing with a U.S. government agency related to security clearance must be handled with skill. At our firm, Claery & Hammond, LLP, we have extensive experience representing individuals throughout the USA in matters regarding access to restricted information or other matters involving security clearance. If you are considering applying for security clearance, you want to "know before you go." We can help you find out if you are likely to gain the clearance, or what to do if there is false information present in your file.
Adjudicating Security Clearance: The Problems
When you are seeking security clearance, there are a range of problems that could arise. You could be denied clearance due to some item in your file making you appear to lack the qualities that match the criteria of the agency or group involved, whether the Armed Forces, a branch of the U.S. government, a contracting company providing services to a U.S. government agency, law enforcement, or in various companies and activities in the private sector. If you have already been denied, an appeal can be filed with our help. If you are just beginning the process, it is advised that you contact our firm before initiating your application. The problems that can arise can be related to a wide range of personal information, including your criminal record and others. You have a short period of time in which to file an appeal after receiving a "statement of reasons." Your response can make all the difference in whether you finally are granted the security clearance that you need to move forward with your career.
Document Preparation
An application for security clearance can require the submission of specific documents. A Questionnaire for National Security Positions, the Standard Form (SF) 86 is the form used to apply for positions that involve confidential, secret or for top secret clearance for a wide range of posts in government or military agencies. Our legal team can assist you with the application process, and we are very familiar with this process, and how to avoid the pitfalls that an individual could run into if trying to get this application processed on their own. If you fail to provide any piece of documentation in the form that is requested, you will face a denial. As some positions need to be filled quickly, you could lose your opportunity if you don't get your clearance in timely manner. Get help from our security clearance lawyer – we can manage the entire process, from the application through to your approval. Should you be denied, we know what to do and how to expedite the process when necessary.
Confidential or Sensitive Information
The various arms of the military as well as all other government agencies are very concerned about keeping files, all confidential information safe and do everything possible to avoid any type of security breach, leaked information or access to those not authorized. When they evaluate you with regard to your ability to maintain confidentiality, there are a number of issues that will be adjudicated, and even one failure to provide full information (even if in error) can lead to a denial, and the inability to advance your career or get the job you want. If you are trying to get a job that involved the U.S. Department of Defense, your application will be managed by the Defense Security Office. The Office of Personnel Management is the agency that will conduct the security clearance process for other branches of the federal government. Either agency is very stringent in their requirements. You will be well served to have an attorney manage every detail of the process to avoid problems.
Contact Claery & Hammond, LLP for assistance on all types of security clearance issues, including applications and appeals after a denial.
