Your security clearance may protect your career, income, military service and ability to remain in a trusted position. When eligibility is questioned, the government may examine the same facts through investigation, personnel security, adjudication, agency counsel, hearings and appeals.
National Security Law Firm brings together attorneys who have worked across those same parts of the federal system.
Former Federal Clearance Judge · Former Government Adjudicators · Former Intelligence and National-Security Counsel · Direct DOHA Experience · Nationwide Representation
NSLF represents clearance applicants and holders in:
- SF-86 reviews and corrections;
- Subject interviews and investigations;
- Letters of Interrogatory;
- Statements of Reasons;
- Suspensions, denials and revocations;
- Personal appearances and hearings;
- Written appeals and appellate review; and
- Reconsideration and reapplication matters.
VIEW SECURITY CLEARANCE SERVICES AND PRICING
Free consultation. No obligation. Do not send classified information through this website.
★★★★★ 4.9 Stars From 300+ Google Reviews
Former Clearance Judge · Former DOHA Experience · 75+ Years of Relevant Experience · Team-Based Review · Nationwide Representation
★★★★★ “My Clearance Was Reinstated Within One Month of Submission.”
“The team did an outstanding job drafting a thorough and compelling appeal that accurately reflected both the facts and my professional record. As a result, my clearance was reinstated within one month of submission…”
— J.B.
Security Clearance Client · Google Review
What Stage of the Security Clearance Process Are You Facing?
Choose the situation that best matches what is happening now.
Completing or Correcting an SF-86
An incomplete disclosure, inconsistent answer or poorly explained issue can create questions that follow the applicant into the investigation. NSLF reviews completed questionnaires for accuracy, consistency and foreseeable areas of concern.
Preparing for a Subject Interview or Investigation
Investigators gather facts and record statements that may later be compared with forms, records and witness accounts. NSLF helps clients organize relevant information and prepare to answer truthfully, clearly and consistently.
Responding to a Letter of Interrogatory
A Letter of Interrogatory asks for additional information about one or more potential security concerns. NSLF analyzes the questions, identifies what the agency is evaluating, develops supporting evidence and prepares the response.
LETTER OF INTERROGATORY REPRESENTATION
Responding to a Statement of Reasons
A Statement of Reasons identifies the allegations supporting a proposed denial or revocation. NSLF evaluates each allegation, the available record, applicable adjudicative guidelines and evidence of mitigation.
STATEMENT OF REASONS REPRESENTATION
Facing a Suspension, Denial or Revocation
The available process depends on the agency, employer, military or contractor status, existing record and notice received. NSLF identifies the controlling procedure, deadline and potential response, appeal or recovery strategy.
DENIAL AND REVOCATION REPRESENTATION
Preparing for a Hearing, Personal Appearance or Appeal
NSLF develops the case theory, evidence, witnesses and testimony; anticipates difficult government questions; and represents clients in the covered proceeding.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE NOTICE
A deadline may already be running. Follow the instructions in your notice and seek advice promptly. Do not assume that a deadline found online applies to your agency or case.
NSLF Investigates the Government Records Behind the Case
A government notice tells you what the government is questioning. It may not identify where the allegation originated, what an investigator recorded, what another agency reported or what favorable information already exists in government files.
Many law firms prepare a response using only the notice and the documents the client already possesses.
NSLF goes further.
In qualifying Letter of Interrogatory, Statement of Reasons, hearing and appeal representations, NSLF prepares targeted Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act requests for government records reasonably relevant to the case.
These records may reveal:
- A prior disclosure that supports the client’s candor;
- Favorable statements from investigators, supervisors or references;
- Cooperation, rehabilitation or other documented mitigation;
- Information omitted from the government’s summary;
- Incorrect dates, amounts, dispositions or factual allegations;
- Differences between an investigator’s account and a later agency summary;
- The source of an allegation and how it developed;
- Additional adverse information that should be addressed before a later proceeding; or
- A potential issue involving how government information was obtained, maintained, withheld or used.
The government’s own records may provide independent support for the client’s explanation. They may also expose inaccuracies, prepare the client for later questioning or reveal a separate path to seek disclosure or correction.
Included at No Additional Attorney Fee in Qualifying Cases
NSLF ordinarily charges $1,995 for a stand-alone Government Records Investigation.
In qualifying LOI, SOR, hearing and appeal representations, the relevant targeted initial requests are included at no additional attorney fee.
The service is not included with the stand-alone SF-86 Review and Strategy service. Government charges, administrative appeals, amendment proceedings, litigation and separate follow-on representation are not included unless the engagement agreement states otherwise.
LEARN ABOUT NSLF’S GOVERNMENT RECORDS INVESTIGATION
★★★★★“Submitting Requests I Never Would Have Known To”
“They immediately jumped to help me, submitting requests I never would have known to, and putting together a fantastic packet.”
— J.V., Google Review Excerpt
The Government Evaluates Your Case From Every Side. So Does NSLF.
Security-clearance cases are not built or decided by one person performing one function.
Investigators develop the facts. Personnel-security professionals identify concerns. Adjudicators apply the national guidelines and whole-person concept. Agency counsel evaluate legal and mission risk. Administrative judges assess evidence and credibility. Government attorneys test testimony. Appellate authorities review the resulting record.
Each may examine the same event differently.
A solo practitioner may bring one professional perspective. A firm focused on only one stage may prepare the immediate submission without fully considering how it will affect a later investigation, hearing, appeal, employment action or military proceeding.
NSLF is structured around the way the government itself is structured.
Our team’s backgrounds span:
- Federal investigation and counterintelligence;
- Personnel-security adjudication;
- Intelligence and national-security counsel;
- Administrative judging;
- Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals proceedings;
- Military and civilian employment systems;
- Hearings, witness preparation and litigation; and
- Written appeals and record review.
This allows NSLF to evaluate the immediate concern while considering how the same facts and statements may be used elsewhere in the federal system.
Experience From Inside the Decision Process
Brett O’Brien served as an Intelligence Law Attorney for U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command and as the primary legal advisor for active Army counterintelligence investigations. He also served on a full-time Army Reserve assignment inside the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA).
Katie Quintana served as a federal Administrative Judge and Acting Chief Judge deciding Department of Energy security-clearance cases. NSLF also includes former government adjudicators who evaluated clearance eligibility from inside the system.
Luke Rose served as a GS-15 Intelligence Law Attorney for Army Futures Command, an Intelligence Law Attorney for U.S. Army Europe and Brigade Judge Advocate for the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade.
Sean Rogers brings 16 years of Army litigation experience as both trial counsel and defense counsel and leads NSLF’s security-clearance hearing work.
One Lead Attorney. One Coordinated Strategy.
A client’s matter is not passed among disconnected attorneys. One attorney leads the representation.
When a significant matter would benefit from additional perspectives, the lead attorney may use NSLF’s Attorney Review Board to obtain investigative, adjudicative, judicial, national-security or litigation analysis and incorporate it into one coherent strategy.
The review may examine:
- Prior forms, interviews, investigative records and written submissions;
- Omissions, inconsistencies or unsupported assumptions;
- The applicable adjudicative concerns and mitigating conditions;
- Documentary and testimonial evidence;
- Questions a future investigator, adjudicator, attorney or judge may ask;
- How the written record may withstand a hearing or appeal; and
- Whether the clearance strategy must be coordinated with another federal process.
Not every service requires review by the full board, and not every attorney works personally on every matter. The engagement agreement and needs of the particular case determine the scope.
LEARN ABOUT THE NSLF ATTORNEY REVIEW BOARD
What an NSLF Security Clearance Lawyer Actually Does
A security-clearance lawyer should do more than repeat the client’s explanation.
Depending on the stage and scope of the engagement, NSLF may:
- Identify the decision being made. We determine the agency, forum, procedural stage, deadline and applicable rules.
- Reconstruct the record. We review forms, notices, prior responses, investigative materials and available supporting documents.
- Identify the actual concerns. We separate the government’s stated allegations from the underlying credibility, judgment, reliability or national-security questions.
- Develop the evidence. We identify records, witnesses and other evidence that may support the facts and mitigation.
- Test the explanation. We look for inconsistencies, unanswered questions and weaknesses that could become more serious during government questioning.
- Prepare the submission or proceeding. We draft responses, organize exhibits, prepare clients and witnesses, and represent the client when the forum permits.
- Plan for the next stage. We consider how the response may affect a hearing, appeal, future adjudication or related federal matter.
The objective is not to hide unfavorable information or manufacture a perfect story. It is to present an accurate, consistent and well-supported record that addresses what the government is actually evaluating.
★★★★★ “He Guided Me in Collecting the Right Evidence”
“I was very nervous about my hearing and didn’t know what to expect, but Sean reassured me at every step of the way. He told me he would spend as much time as I needed to make me feel comfortable about testifying. He has immense expertise in the matter and was able to guide me in collecting the right evidence to support my case.”
— S.T., Security Clearance Hearing Client · Google Review
The Clearance Case May Not Be the Only Case
A security-clearance concern may also affect:
- Federal employment;
- Military discipline or administrative separation;
- Criminal or administrative investigations;
- Public Trust, suitability or fitness determinations;
- Presidential Support Duty or specialized access programs;
- TWIC, Global Entry or another government credential;
- Licensing or future federal employment;
- Privacy and government-records rights; or
- Future clearance sponsorship and adjudication.
A statement intended to help in one proceeding can create an inconsistency in another. NSLF maintains related federal, employment, military, credentialing, privacy and records practices so the team can identify overlapping risks and determine when coordinated or separate representation should be considered.
Your clearance should not be defended in isolation from the other government systems the same facts may affect.
Representative Security Clearance Results
These matters illustrate the range of records, forums, and concerns the firm has handled. Select a result to read the facts and strategy described in the case study.
Department of Energy Granted Clearance After Applicant Corrected Past Drug Use Omitted From an SF-86
The applicant voluntarily disclosed previously omitted drug use before being confronted by the government. NSLF demonstrated rehabilitation, candor, and mitigation under Guidelines E and H, resulting in a favorable decision after a Department of Energy hearing.
Read the Department of Energy SF-86 Case Result
NSA Reversed a TS/SCI Revocation
NSLF challenged Guideline E and Guideline M allegations in an NSA matter involving eligibility for sensitive compartmented information.
Read the TS/SCI Revocation Case Result
Clearance Granted Despite More Than $90,000 in Debt and Delinquent Taxes
The firm presented evidence addressing significant financial considerations concerns under Guideline F.
Read the Financial Considerations Case Result
Guideline K SOR Resolved Without a Hearing
The case involved alleged mishandling of protected information and was resolved through the written response process.
Read the Guideline K Case Result
PSAB Reinstated Eligibility After a DOHA Hearing and Indefinite Suspension
NSLF pursued the available process after an adverse clearance action affecting the client’s eligibility.
Read the Reinstatement Case Result
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its facts, evidence, governing rules, agency, and procedural posture.
★★★★★ “My Case Was Resolved in My Favor Before the Hearing Even Happened.”
“[Carl] took the time to deeply understand my background, anticipate every angle the government might raise, and help me present my case in the strongest, most honest way possible… Because of Carl’s hard work and the team’s diligence, my case was resolved in my favor before the hearing even happened.”
— P.K.
Security Clearance Client · Google Review
Transparent Flat-Fee Representation
Legal fees should not become another source of uncertainty when a career may already be at risk.
NSLF publishes flat fees for common security-clearance services so prospective clients can understand the expected cost and general scope before deciding whether to retain the firm.
SF-86 Review and Strategy — $950
Review of the completed questionnaire, identification of potential disclosure and consistency issues, attorney feedback and a follow-up review after covered revisions.
Government Records Investigation is not included with this stand-alone service.
Letter of Interrogatory Response — $3,500
Review of the LOI and relevant materials, issue analysis, evidence planning, preparation of the written response and management through the covered LOI stage.
A Government Records Investigation is included at no additional attorney fee in qualifying matters.
Statement of Reasons Response — $5,000
Review of the SOR and available record, allegation-by-allegation analysis, mitigation and evidence development, preparation of the response and exhibits, and management through the covered written-response stage.
A $3,000 credit may apply if NSLF represented the client in the preceding LOI matter. Eligibility and scope are confirmed in the engagement agreement.
A Government Records Investigation is included at no additional attorney fee in qualifying matters.
Hearing Representation — $7,500
Hearing strategy, exhibit and witness preparation, client preparation and representation at the covered hearing.
A Government Records Investigation is included at no additional attorney fee in qualifying matters.
The engagement agreement controls the final fee, scope and duration. Financing may be available through Pay Later by Affirm, subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
REVIEW COMPLETE PRICING AND SCOPE
What Happens After You Contact NSLF?
1. Schedule a Free Consultation
Choose an available time online. Have the notice, deadline, agency or employer, current clearance status and a short summary available. Do not send classified information.
2. Identify the Stage and Immediate Risk
We identify what has happened, whether a deadline may apply, whether the matter fits the firm’s services and what the next appropriate step may be.
3. Review the Proposed Scope and Fee
If NSLF offers representation, you receive an engagement agreement identifying the service, fee and covered procedural stage. There is no obligation to retain the firm.
4. Build and Protect the Record
After engagement, the team obtains the materials needed for the covered service, develops the evidence plan, prepares the submission or proceeding and coordinates related issues when necessary.
Free Security Clearance Self-Assessments
These educational tools can help you identify topics to discuss with counsel. They do not provide legal advice, predict an outcome, or replace review of your documents.
Explore the Security Clearance Resource Center
Not every visitor is ready to hire an attorney. Some are still trying to understand what kind of clearance they have, what stage they are in or whether an event creates a genuine problem.
The NSLF Security Clearance Resource Center organizes our most important guides by subject and procedural stage, including:
- Clearance basics and terminology;
- SF-85, SF-85P and SF-86 forms;
- Investigations, interviews and polygraphs;
- LOIs, SORs, suspensions and denials;
- Hearings, appeals, reconsideration and reapplication;
- Adjudicative Guidelines A through M;
- Common financial, foreign-influence, drug, alcohol and personal-conduct concerns;
- Government-records and record-control strategy; and
- Public Trust, federal employment and related government systems.
VISIT THE SECURITY CLEARANCE RESOURCE CENTER
Explore Other Security Clearance Resources
Whether you are completing an SF-86, responding to agency questions, or facing a potential denial or revocation, these resources can help you understand the process and your options:
- Security Clearance Lawyers — Learn how NSLF represents security clearance applicants and holders nationwide.
- Security Clearance Resource Center — Explore articles, guides, case results, and answers to frequently asked security clearance questions.
- SF-86 Review Lawyer — Learn how an attorney can identify disclosure concerns and help you submit a more accurate, defensible questionnaire.
- Letter of Interrogatory Lawyer — Understand how to respond when the government requests additional information about potential security concerns.
- Statement of Reasons Lawyer — Learn how NSLF develops evidence, mitigation, and legal arguments in response to an SOR.
- Security Clearance Adjudicative Guidelines — Review the guidelines the government uses to evaluate security clearance eligibility.
- Security Clearance Record Control Strategy — See how obtaining and examining government records can reveal favorable evidence, inaccuracies, omissions, and additional avenues for relief.
- Security Clearance Lawyer Costs and Fees — Review the cost of security clearance representation and what may be included in the firm’s services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I speak with a security-clearance lawyer?
Consider seeking advice when you are uncertain how to address a significant issue on the SF-86, expect difficult questions during an interview, discover a prior omission or inconsistency, receive an LOI or SOR, face a suspension or adverse decision, or must choose between a hearing, written response or appeal.
Earlier advice may be useful because later decision-makers can evaluate statements and records created during earlier stages.
Does an LOI or SOR mean I will lose my clearance?
Not necessarily. An LOI requests additional information about potential concerns. An SOR formally identifies reasons the government may deny or revoke eligibility. The result depends on the allegations, evidence, credibility, mitigation, governing procedure and quality of the record.
How long do I have to respond?
The controlling deadline should appear in the notice or governing procedure. Deadlines vary, and extensions are not automatic. Read the entire notice and seek advice promptly.
Can a denial or revocation be appealed?
Often, but the procedure depends on the agency and the person’s status. DoD contractor cases, DoD civilian and military cases, intelligence-community cases and matters involving other agencies may follow different review processes.
Why request government records if they may arrive after my deadline?
NSLF does not delay the immediate response while waiting for records. Records received later may still provide evidence for a hearing, identify an appeal issue, correct an inaccuracy, prepare the client for future questioning or reveal another available legal process.
Submitting relevant requests early increases the likelihood that the information will be available if the case advances.
Does a Government Records Investigation guarantee a better outcome?
No. NSLF cannot guarantee that a record exists, will be released, will arrive by a particular date or will change the government’s decision. Its purpose is to make the strategy more informed and complete.
Do I need a security-clearance lawyer near me?
Usually not. Security-clearance cases are governed by federal and agency-specific procedures. Much of the work can be completed through secure remote communication, written submissions and attorney travel when a hearing requires it.
Can NSLF guarantee that I will receive or keep my clearance?
No. Clearance decisions belong to the government. NSLF can analyze the process, investigate the record, develop evidence, prepare the client and present the strongest accurate case the circumstances permit.
Speak With a Security Clearance Lawyer
You do not need to diagnose the entire case before contacting NSLF.
Start with the document or event in front of you: an SF-86 question, investigator interview, LOI, SOR, suspension, denial, hearing notice or appeal decision.
During the free consultation, NSLF will identify the procedural stage, discuss the principal concern, determine whether representation may help and explain the next appropriate step.
★★★★★ 4.9 Stars From 300+ Google Reviews
Former Federal Clearance Judge · Former Government Adjudicators · Former Intelligence and National-Security Counsel · Direct DOHA Experience · Nationwide Representation
REVIEW SECURITY CLEARANCE PRICING
EXPLORE THE SECURITY CLEARANCE RESOURCE CENTER
Free consultation. No obligation. Do not send classified information.
Contacting NSLF does not create an attorney-client relationship. This page provides general information and is not legal advice. The engagement agreement controls the scope and fee for any representation. Case results depend on the facts and circumstances of each matter; past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This website is an attorney advertisement.