Security Clearance Lawyer
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About us
Korody Law maintains a nationally recognized security clearance law practice focusing on defending federal contractors, government civilians, and military members facing revocation, denial, or suspension of a security clearance.
our team
The Korody law Team is composed of retired and former Navy and Marine JAG officers who have more than 70 years combined military experience. We are the trusted law firm for national security law cases.
Federal Security Clearance Defense • Worldwide
Security Clearance Defense Lawyer
When the federal government questions your eligibility for a security clearance, the issue is not criminal guilt — it is whether granting or continuing access is clearly consistent with the interests of national security. Security clearance defense focuses on protecting eligibility, responding to adverse information, and building a defensible administrative record across all federal clearance systems.
Confidential ConsultationWhat Is Federal Security Clearance Defense?
Security clearance defense involves representing individuals whose access to classified information is questioned, delayed, denied, suspended, or revoked by the federal government. These matters are handled through administrative adjudication, not criminal courts, and are governed by Executive Orders, federal adjudicative guidelines, and agency-specific procedures.
Clearance cases may arise from investigations, self-reporting issues, background reinvestigations, or third-party allegations — often years after a clearance was first granted.
Federal Agencies and Clearance Systems
While many cases involve the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), not all federal security clearance cases go through DOHA. Different agencies adjudicate clearance matters under different authorities.
Department of Defense & Contractors
- DCSA investigations and adjudications
- Statements of Reasons (SORs)
- DOHA hearings and written-record decisions
- Appeals under DoD procedures
Civilian & Intelligence Agencies
- Agency-specific adjudication processes
- Internal review boards and suitability determinations
- Limited or no external hearing rights
- Restricted appeal mechanisms
Important: Not every federal clearance case includes a live hearing. Many agencies decide cases solely on the written record, making early strategy and documentation critical.
Statement of Reasons (SOR) and Equivalent Notices
In DoD-related cases, the government typically issues a Statement of Reasons (SOR). Other agencies use different terminology, but the function is the same: to notify the individual of security concerns and provide an opportunity to respond.
Responding properly requires identifying which allegations are legally relevant, which can be mitigated, and how adjudicators evaluate credibility, judgment, and rehabilitation.
→ Responding to a Security Clearance Statement of Reasons
Obtaining Federal Security Clearance Records
Effective clearance defense often depends on obtaining investigative and adjudicative records, including interview summaries, exhibits, and adjudicative analyses. Record availability varies by agency and may involve FOIA, Privacy Act requests, or agency-specific disclosure rules.
→ How to Obtain Your Security Clearance Records
Common Grounds for Clearance Denial or Revocation
- Financial considerations (debt, taxes, gambling)
- Criminal conduct or unresolved allegations
- Personal conduct and candor issues
- Alcohol or substance concerns
- Foreign influence or foreign preference
- Technology misuse or information handling
Clearance determinations are holistic and discretionary. The administrative record — not any single fact — often determines the outcome.
Why Early Legal Strategy Matters
Clearance cases are decided on written submissions, credibility assessments, and mitigation evidence. Once the record closes, opportunities to correct errors are extremely limited.
Security clearance defense is record defense. The narrative you create — or fail to create — often controls the outcome.
Related Security Clearance Resources
Security clearance at risk?
Contact Korody Law, P.A. for experienced federal security clearance defense.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.