Federal Employee Security Clearance Lawyer – Florida

Korody Law, P.A. represents federal employees across Florida who are facing security clearance investigations, suspensions, revocations, or denials. Whether you work for a federal agency, hold a public trust position, or need access to classified information as part of your job, your clearance is critical to your career and livelihood.

Founded by former Navy JAG Captain Patrick Korody, our firm has extensive experience advising and defending federal employees in security clearance and suitability cases involving multiple agencies and adjudicative authorities.

Federal Employees We Represent

We represent federal employees, applicants, and contractors working with or for:

• Department of Defense (DoD) and DoD civilian employees
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including TSA and CBP
• Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and Bureau of Prisons
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Department of State
• Department of Energy (DOE)
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Intelligence community agencies and components
• Other federal agencies and components requiring a security clearance or public trust

We understand the unique rules, policies, and cultures of these agencies and how they approach adjudication of security clearances and suitability.

Security Clearance and Suitability Issues for Federal Employees

Federal employees encounter clearance and suitability issues in a variety of ways, including:

• Continuous Evaluation (CE) or continuous vetting alerts
• New adverse information reported by supervisors, coworkers, or security officers
• Problems uncovered during periodic reinvestigation or initial background checks
• Issues revealed through self-reporting requirements

These issues can result in a suspended clearance, reassignment to non-sensitive duties, or proposed removal from employment. Early, strategic legal help is critical.

Common Grounds for Security Clearance Problems

We defend federal employees facing concerns under the national adjudicative guidelines, including:

Guideline F – Financial Considerations

• Delinquent debts, charge-offs, collections
• Bankruptcy, foreclosure, or tax liens
• Failure to file or pay taxes
• Unexplained spending or gambling issues

Guideline E – Personal Conduct

• Misstatements on the SF-86 / e-QIP
• Failure to report required information
• Allegations of dishonesty or untrustworthiness

Guideline H – Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse

• Illegal drug use, including marijuana
• Prescription medication misuse
• Drug-related arrests or positive tests

Guideline J – Criminal Conduct

• DUI and alcohol-related arrests
• Domestic violence or assault allegations
• Other criminal charges or convictions

Guideline G – Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol misuse or dependence
• Alcohol-related incidents on or off duty

Guideline B – Foreign Influence and Foreign Contacts

• Close and continuing contact with foreign nationals
• Foreign business or financial interests
• Family members living abroad

We work with federal employees to develop a mitigation strategy tailored to the specific facts and agency expectations.

Stages of the Security Clearance Process for Federal Employees

Korody Law assists federal employees at every stage of the security clearance and suitability process, including:

• Initial completion and review of the SF-86 or other background forms
• Responding to investigator questions or follow-up requests
• Responding to a Letter of Intent (LOI) or Statement of Reasons (SOR)
• Representing employees at in-person or virtual hearings
• Preparing written appeals and reconsideration requests
• Addressing suitability determinations and proposed removals based on clearance issues

Our goal is to protect both your clearance eligibility and your federal career.

Security Clearance and Suitability for Public Trust Positions

Not all federal positions require access to classified information, but many are designated as public trust or sensitive positions with significant security and suitability requirements. We represent individuals in:

• Moderate and high-risk public trust positions
• Suitability and fitness determinations
• OPM and agency-specific background investigations
• Appeals of unfavorable suitability decisions

Even without a formal clearance, a negative suitability determination can cost you your job and damage future employment prospects.

Serving Federal Employees Across Florida

While our office is based in Jacksonville, we represent federal employees throughout Florida, including those working in and around:

• Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
• Orlando and Central Florida
• Tampa and St. Petersburg
• Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida
• Tallahassee and state capital area agencies
• Pensacola, Panama City, and the Florida Panhandle

We regularly represent clients remotely by phone and video conference, making high-level security clearance representation accessible no matter where you are located.

How We Help Federal Employees Protect Their Careers

When your clearance or suitability is questioned, you need an advocate who understands both the law and the practical realities of working for the federal government. Our representation often includes:

• Reviewing your background investigation and any adverse information
• Explaining the allegations and guidelines in plain language
• Developing a detailed mitigation plan with supporting documentation
• Collecting character statements and employment records
• Preparing you for interviews and hearings
• Drafting persuasive written responses and appeals

We focus on demonstrating reliability, rehabilitation, and trustworthiness so that adjudicators can confidently grant or restore your eligibility.

What To Do If You Receive a Letter of Intent (LOI) or Statement of Reasons (SOR)

If you receive an LOI or SOR from your agency or adjudication facility, you are on a strict timeline to respond. Do not ignore these documents or attempt a quick response without fully understanding the allegations and the evidence needed to mitigate them.

Steps to take immediately:

• Read the entire LOI or SOR carefully and note all deadlines
• Gather relevant documents, background forms, and prior correspondence
• Avoid informal or off-the-cuff written responses
• Contact a lawyer experienced in federal security clearance law

We can help you determine what needs to be admitted, what can be challenged, and how best to demonstrate mitigation and future reliability.

Related Security Clearance Services

• Security Clearance Lawyer
• Jacksonville Security Clearance Lawyer
• Kings Bay Security Clearance Lawyer
• Mayport Military Lawyer
• Administrative Separation Board Lawyer

Free Consultation for Federal Employees with Security Clearance Issues

If you are a federal employee in Florida facing security clearance or suitability concerns, a suspended clearance, or an LOI/SOR, we encourage you to seek legal advice as early as possible. Your clearance is often the key to your position, your income, and your long-term career.

Request a Security Clearance Consultation

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