Security Clearance Services

A former distinguished military officer was working as an executive with a technology company when the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals challenged his security clearance. DOHA launched the inquiry based on concerns that the executive failed to inform a previous employer that he ran a private business in his spare time.

He turned to Armstrong Teasdale’s security clearance lawyers for help. Through documentation, our Security Clearance legal team showed that the client was unaware of his employer’s policy to disclose the separate business. The response also detailed the client’s unblemished record of compliance with highest professional standards, consistent with his long-standing security clearance dating back to 1982. Armstrong Teasdale’s arguments and supporting information convinced DOHA that a hearing was unnecessary and it dropped its challenge to the client’s security clearance.

The executive’s situation is just one example of the difficulty of obtaining and keeping a security clearance particularly with in-depth scrutiny by government investigators. There’s too much at stake to travel this path alone because the loss or revocation of a clearance can result in serious consequences.

Armstrong Teasdale’s Security Clearance lawyers can reduce your risk. We will help you get and maintain the proper security clearance to work with the Department of Defense, the military services, and other agencies requiring security clearances. Our security clearance lawyers are familiar with the applicable regulations and work with the appropriate national and local government offices to establish the proper clearance for clients.

The Security Clearance team also assists companies with foreign ownership, control, or influence issues obtain a facility clearance or find innovative solutions to other facility clearance problems. We offer clients experienced legal counsel and work closely with clients during the security clearance process. Our services include consulting on initial background investigations, representing clients in adversarial hearings, requesting waivers, and representing clients during the appeals process.

Service Capabilities

Denial of Security Clearance – In the event that a necessary security clearance is denied, Armstrong Teasdale’s security clearance lawyers are well-versed in the best practices for responding to a denial letter. Our attorneys assist clients in determining whether to request a hearing, seek a waiver, and/or appeal a case. Our attorneys represent clients in hearings before administrative judges of the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals of the U.S. Department of Defense and prepare the most comprehensive case that demonstrates an individual’s ability to access and handle even the nation’s most vital secrets. Our security clearance lawyers also assist clients who face a denial or revocation from other Central Adjudication Facilities such as the U.S. Army Central Adjudication Facility, the Department of Navy Central Adjudication Facility, and the Air Force Central Adjudication Facility.

Facility Clearances – Armstrong Teasdale’s Security Clearance attorneys are experienced in guiding companies through the facility clearance process under the National Industrial Security Program. We advise on techniques for obtaining sponsorship requests, help with completion of all necessary documents, and assist with development and implementation of internal security operating procedures. For companies that have FOCI issues which otherwise prevent approval of a facility clearance, we design innovative approaches for “mitigation” of FOCI, and negotiation of facility security agreements with the Defense Security Service.

Pre-Security Clearance Counseling – Inadequate information can hamper efforts to obtain security clearance for your executives, managers or other important members of your staff. Let us review the SF 86 questionnaire for national security positions before submission to ensure proper explanations are provided for all answers.
Background investigations for national security positions are conducted to develop information to show whether applicants are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the United States. The information provided in the questionnaire is confirmed during a government investigation. However such items as property ownership, serving on a board or owning another business that are not explained can cause a delay or even a denial of clearance. In addition to helping clients complete SF 86 forms, our lawyers assist clients through the entire process of obtaining a personal or facility clearance including guiding them through the security clearance interview process.

Security Clearance Counseling – The Security Clearance Task Force attorneys, all with government or military backgrounds, are familiar with the appropriate guidelines, directives, executive orders, and statutes. They assist clients in maintaining the proper security clearance and anticipate future problems including issues related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Maintaining a Security Clearance – Upon receiving the desired security clearance, Armstrong Teasdale’s security clearance lawyers continue to advise clients of the type of unfavorable events and issues that could lead to the loss of a security clearance.

Recent Successes

A.T. Security Clearance Task Force convinces DOHA to withdraw Statement of Reasons for a high level executive

"I just wanted to thank Brian Kaveney for the great work representing me…The result was that DOHA ruled in my favor, withdrew the request for a hearing and my clearance was maintained without having to go to hearing. Awesome!" Executive of a National Company and retired Military Officer

Armstrong Teasdale Wins Clearance for Promising Engineer

A DOHA administrative judge granted a security clearance on January 12, 2010 to a senior systems integration engineer who had overcome drinking problems he suffered as a young enlistee of the U.S. Air Force. The applicant, who was represented by Armstrong Teasdale’s Security Clearance Task Force, had received a general discharge under honorable conditions.

The applicant had been deployed to combat areas with his current employer and was sent by helicopter and truck convoy to remote locations. As a result, he was exposed to small arms, mortar and rocket fire. While serving in combat areas, he had daily access to highly classified information but there was no evidence suggesting he had mishandled or risked the compromise of this data.

The applicant’s supervisors, who were aware of his background, testified and submitted affidavits saying he was an excellent worker and a dedicated employee. According to their statements, the supervisors were satisfied he had matured significantly and there was no likelihood that similar misconduct would recur.

In granting the clearance, the judge said he had taken into consideration the fact that the applicant was only 20 years old when he enlisted in the Air Force and was surrounded by fellow airmen who frequently had engaged in inappropriate conduct. The judge said other mitigating factors were taken into consideration, including the applicant’s stellar employment history after he was discharged, testimony from his supervisors and psychological evaluations.

Armstrong Teasdale Task Force Ensures Clearance for Company Operating in Iraq

"Armstrong Teasdale’s Security Task Force was responsive and diligent in their efforts to ensure that WCG obtained the necessary clearance to continue our work in Iraq,” said John Martin, vice president and chief financial officer of The Washington Consulting Group.

Armstrong Teasdale’s Security Clearance Task Force recently worked with The Washington Consulting Group, Inc. ("WCG") to maintain its operational capabilities in Iraq. WCG had earned a critical government contract to provide air traffic control at several airports in Iraq and train Iraqis to manage their own airspace. However, unforeseen circumstances threatened WCG’s operations after employees arrived in Baghdad. The company hired Armstrong Teasdale to provide counsel and assist WCG in obtaining the proper clearance required to fulfill its mission.

The members of the Security Clearance Task Force worked to establish the proper clearance for both the company and the individuals working in Iraq. In less than three weeks, WCG was in compliance with regulations and executing high-priority, classified missions with the U.S. military.

Members of the Security Clearance Services Practice Group

Kaveney, Brian	Scherrer, Richard
Limbaugh, Sr., Stephen	Stoneman, Mark
Martin, Jim	Weaver, Tom