Receiving a Statement of Reasons (SOR) can feel overwhelming—but what you do next is critical. Once you acknowledge receipt, the clock starts ticking. You are given a limited window to respond to the allegation(s), and failing to submit a timely response is treated the same as not responding at all. This is not a process […]

For professionals whose careers depend on holding a security clearance, the cost of losing that clearance can be far greater than the cost of hiring experienced legal counsel.  A denied or revoked clearance can jeopardize your current employment (or job offer), future employment opportunities, military career, or ability to work on government contracts.  Engaging the […]

  Introduction: Understanding Courts-Martial in the Military A court-martial is the military’s version of a criminal trial. If a service member is accused of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), their case may be handled through this specialized legal system instead of a civilian court. Unlike civilian criminal courts, courts-martial operate under different […]

In many circumstances, the answer is yes.  If you are having to disclose potentially derogatory information or if derogatory information has been discovered about you, working with an experienced security clearance attorney will significantly improve your chances of obtaining or maintaining a clearance.  Just as importantly, the earlier you involve counsel in the process, the […]

The eApp was implemented on 1 October 2023 as the primary system to replace the eQIP for completing the SF-86 in federal employment.  The new portal has brought some useful features like autosave, timeline continuity, definitions/acronym explanations, and address verification.  Additionally, the system offers intuitive question branching, such that applicants are only directed to questions […]

The SF-86 requires the disclosure of employment activities (including periods of unemployment) going back ten (10) years.  It is not surprising that basic information about the employer, position, and supervisor is required, but so too is detailed information about the reason(s) for leaving that employment activity.  The investigators are looking for patterns of behavior that […]

On 5 March 2026, DCSA announced a new interactive tool that allows individuals to track the status of past or current investigations, communicate directly with agency personnel, and securely self-report information.  This platform is meant to align with the Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative to modernize and improve the efficiency of federal personnel vetting by providing […]

A security clearance suspension is different than a denial or revocation.  It is an interim decision made when the government or agency becomes aware of derogatory information that raises questions as to the clearance holder’s current ability to protect national security information.  Examples of incidents that could trigger a clearance suspension include a positive drug […]