Federal Contractor Security Clearance Lawyer – Florida

Federal Contractor Security Clearance Lawyer – Florida

Korody Law, P.A. represents federal contractors across Florida who are facing security clearance investigations, denials, suspensions, revocations, or DOHA hearings. If you are a defense contractor, IT professional, engineer, analyst, or support contractor whose job depends on a clearance, you cannot afford to handle these issues alone.

Founded by former Navy JAG Captain (O-6) Patrick Korody, our firm has extensive experience representing federal contractors in clearance matters under the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) and other adjudicative authorities.

Federal Contractors We Represent

We represent individual contractors and employees working for major defense and federal contractors, including those who support:

  • Defense industry contractors (defense, aerospace, shipbuilding, weapons systems)
  • Information technology and cybersecurity firms
  • Intelligence and analysis support contractors
  • Logistics, maintenance, and base support companies
  • Engineering and technical services contractors
  • Homeland security and law enforcement support contractors

We routinely assist contractors who support missions at NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, NSB Kings Bay, Blount Island Command, Tyndall AFB, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, MacDill AFB, and NAS Pensacola, and other military and federal facilities across Florida.

Common Security Clearance Issues for Federal Contractors

Federal contractors often face clearance issues that arise from both their personal lives and their professional responsibilities. We frequently see cases involving:

  • Financial problems – delinquent debts, credit card charge-offs, collections, foreclosure, tax issues
  • Alcohol and drug concerns – DUI, underage drinking, marijuana or other illegal drug use, prescription misuse
  • Criminal conduct – arrests, criminal charges, or convictions
  • Personal conduct issues – misstatements on the SF-86/e-QIP, failure to report required information, workplace misconduct
  • Foreign influence or foreign contacts – family or financial ties overseas, foreign travel, foreign business interests
  • Social media and online behavior – reckless posts, public statements, or conduct that raises judgment concerns

These issues can lead to a Statement of Reasons (SOR), clearance denial, or revocation, often with little advance warning.

National Security Adjudicative Guidelines

Security clearance determinations for contractors are guided by the national adjudicative guidelines. We regularly defend clients facing concerns under:

Guideline F – Financial Considerations

  • Unpaid debts, collections, charge-offs, and judgments
  • Bankruptcy, foreclosure, or repossession
  • Failure to file or pay taxes
  • Unexplained financial problems or gambling issues

Guideline E – Personal Conduct

  • Misstatements or omissions on the SF-86 or e-QIP
  • Failure to report arrests, foreign contacts, or other required information
  • Allegations of dishonesty or untrustworthiness

Guideline H – Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse

  • Marijuana use (including in states where it is legal under state law)
  • Use of other illegal substances
  • Prescription misuse
  • Drug-related arrests or positive drug tests

Guideline J – Criminal Conduct

  • DUI and alcohol-related offenses
  • Domestic violence allegations
  • Theft, fraud, or other criminal charges

Guideline G – Alcohol Consumption

  • Alcohol abuse or dependence
  • Multiple alcohol-related incidents
  • Alcohol-related workplace problems

Guideline B – Foreign Influence

  • Extensive foreign family ties
  • Foreign bank accounts, businesses, or investments
  • Unreported foreign travel or contacts

We know how DOHA judges, adjudicators, and security officials assess these issues and what types of mitigation they find persuasive.

DOHA Security Clearance Hearings for Contractors

Most federal contractors with a clearance issue will eventually deal with the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). We represent clients at every stage of the DOHA process, including:

  • Responding to a Statement of Reasons (SOR)
  • Electing or waiving an in-person or video hearing
  • Preparing written responses and mitigation statements
  • Organizing exhibits, witness statements, and documentation
  • Representing you at the DOHA hearing
  • Filing written appeals after an adverse decision

DOHA hearings are formal proceedings. You will be expected to testify under oath, present evidence, and be cross-examined. Having an attorney who understands DOHA procedures and how judges evaluate mitigation can make the difference between clearance approval and denial.

How We Help Federal Contractors Protect Their Clearances

Our approach to security clearance defense for federal contractors is thorough and proactive. We:

  • Review your SOR, investigative file, and any underlying reports or records
  • Explain the allegations, guidelines, and potential outcomes in clear terms
  • Develop a comprehensive mitigation strategy tailored to your case
  • Help you gather financial records, treatment records, letters of support, and employment history
  • Prepare you for testimony and questioning at hearings
  • Draft persuasive written submissions and appeals

Our goal is to show that any past concerns have been resolved, will not recur, and do not undermine your reliability, judgment, or trustworthiness.

Serving Federal Contractors Throughout Florida

We represent federal contractors working on projects and installations across Florida, including:

  • Jacksonville and Northeast Florida (NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Blount Island)
  • Panhandle and Northwest Florida (Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, Tyndall AFB, Pensacola)
  • Orlando and Central Florida (simulation, training, and aerospace contractors)
  • Tampa Bay area (CENTCOM, SOCOM, MacDill AFB support contractors)
  • Miami and South Florida

We work with clients across the state using secure phone and video conferencing, making experienced clearance representation accessible no matter where you live or work.

What To Do If You Receive a Statement of Reasons (SOR)

If you receive a Statement of Reasons, your clearance and your job are at serious risk. You will have a limited time to respond, and that response will shape your entire case going forward. Important steps include:

  • Read the entire SOR carefully and note response deadlines
  • Do not ignore the SOR or assume your company will “take care of it”
  • Collect relevant documents (credit reports, court records, tax documents, treatment records)
  • Avoid submitting a quick or emotional response without legal guidance
  • Contact a security clearance attorney experienced with DOHA cases

We help you identify which allegations should be admitted, which can be challenged, and what evidence is most effective in mitigation.

Related Security Clearance Services

Free Consultation for Federal Contractors with Clearance Issues

If you are a federal contractor in Florida facing a security clearance investigation, SOR, denial, or revocation, it is critical to act quickly. Your clearance is often a condition of your employment and a key to future opportunities in the defense and federal contracting sectors.

Request a Free Security Clearance Consultation

Korody Law, P.A. – Federal Contractor Security Clearance Lawyer Serving Clients Across Florida