SECURITY CLEARANCE LAWYER
A security clearance lawyer is also known as a security clearance attorney or a security clearance representative.
A security clearance lawyer will act for you in one of two ways.
- To help, assist and guide you through the somewhat complex, intense and often confusing security clearance application form. Holding your hand through the whole process and advising each step of the way on best practice.
- To help with a security clearance appeal process, or process to help understand and rectify a security clearance revocation.
In 2001 the US government substantially tightened its security clearance application process, in an effort to provide increased security and protection to US citizens. As a result of this, the rigors of security clearance requirements have increased. This is obviously in the best interest of all US citizens.
It is strongly advised that anyone looking to apply for a new security clearance, get some good advice, and an understanding of the application forms, what is being asked of them, and what will be expected of them during any interview that they may be asked to attend. A security clearance lawyer will be versed in these dealings.
One of the problems with filling in these applications is not that the applicant is a dishone in their answers but that they have mis interpreted what was really being asked in the question. The answer is then found to be either lacking or insufficient in detail.
In many cases if the applicant had had a more complete understanding of how they should answer the question, this would not have been an issue. However once you have completed these forms you are in the system. This is when the advice or services of a security clearance lawyer would come into their own.
Omitting information that you may think is not relevant, or including information that is irrelevant, can compromise your chances of your clearance being granted, through no fault of your own.
Likewise, the council and advice of a security clearance lawyer, before attending a clearance interview is advised. In fact the earlier you engage a professional in the process the better all round. Once denied security clearance, the process to revoke is not the easiest and can be costly.
What sort of questions will there be on a security clearance application form: The form will want to know details of every aspect of your life including facts about
- Birth, birthplace,
- citizenship,
- Parents, grandparents
- education, schools and colleges attended
- employment, employers and work undertaken
- residences, homes and places you have lived
- credit history, loans and financial dealings
- involvement in criminal and civil litigation, court cases past and pending, court dealings, dealings with any law enforcements bodies
- military history,
- marriage and divorce, martial partners, divorced ex partners
- medical information, health history
- drug and alcohol use
- association with certain individuals, organisations, clubs
- time spent overseas, travelling or living abroad
- mental health status.
These are just some of the areas that will need to be explored confirmed and investigated by the authorities in order to establish your suitability for clearance. Your security clearance lawyer will no doubt have a list of other questions that will include and incorporate quesitons that are specific to the job you are applying for.
How To Answer
First of all it is important not to complete your form straight away.
You should spend some time reading the questions asked. Try to get a good understanding of the question and also the information that you think is being sought.
If at this stage there is any confusion, it would be wise to call one of the help line numbers and seek clarification or to email them at SecurityClearance@state.gov
This is only if you have not engaged an experienced security clearance attorney, lawyer or representative. If you have, then go direct to them. In fact most of them will insist that they go through the forms first of all with you, before you even attempt to start filling them out.
For each question, write out your answers on a separate form (it is a good idea to photocopy a couple of spares, or download and print several if this is the case) Use these spares to fill in your answers in the first instance.
Ask someone to look at your answers and see if they understand what you have written. Check for spelling and grammar errors.
When you are completely comfortable and happy with your answers then transfer them to the final security application form.
Security Clearance Process