National Security Attorney
Understanding National Security Cases
As a National Security Attorney in DC from the Federal Practice Group can tell you, any case involving the U.S. government comes with an array of challenges and complexities. Clients who are facing a legal issue can benefit from having a highly skilled and specially experienced legal team to assist them with their case. When you are confronted with a legal problem by one of the most powerful governments in the world, you need nothing less than a skilled legal team who understands the system inside and out.
Whether you are facing federal charges or have experienced workplace retaliation from a government entity, you can depend on the Federal Practice Group to provide you with the valuable support you need to ensure that you have the strongest possible case.
National Security Attorney
If you are a client and a federal government employee you may benefit from receiving legal support from our skilled legal team. We represent clients who face complex legal issues such as whistleblower cases, employer retaliation, criminal charges, government contracts, and much more. Cases involving the federal government are highly complex and involve multiple parties and elements. If you are seeking accessible and cost-effective legal counsel and representation, reach out to our office and schedule a confidential appointment today.
Types of Cases an Attorney Handles
As an internationally distinguished legal team, the attorneys at Federal Practice Group have years of experience and specialized skills to work on some of the most complex cases involving the federal government. There are many issues that could prompt you to obtain the help of a DC National Security Attorney, from government contract disputes to security clearance matters. When your rights as a federal employee are being threatened, you can rely on excellent legal counsel from our team to help you with your unique case. Some specific legal areas that our skilled law firm has experience with include:
- Personal injury
- Military
- Immigration & naturalization
- Criminal defense
- Federal employment law
The Role of a National Security Attorney
When you are dealing with a case that concerns national security, you need to make sure you hire a lawyer who understands that particular area. Having a lawyer at your side to help you navigate complex legal matters that deal with the federal government can provide you with many advantages. You are working with a lawyer who is highly familiar with a unique practice area that few attorneys have experience working in. They have a strong understanding of federal laws and understand what legal strategies should be best utilized for achieving optimal case results.
DC National Security Attorney Infographic
Security Clearance Investigations
The federal government necessitates that its employees and contractors get security clearances so they can perform their job duties. The process of obtaining security clearance is a complicated one, which commonly requires in-depth investigation into the person’s background. For the government to get a better picture of that person’s character, the one pursuing security clearance may have their personal life and financial history thoroughly reviewed.
There is no guarantee that an employee will possess clearance indefinitely. The steps that go into granting someone security clearance is comprehensive. The government can revoke or suspend a workers clearance if their well-being or ethics seem to have been compromised in some way. If you are at risk of losing security clearance, or have recently had it withdrawn, it is imperative that you speak with a lawyer who is experienced in this area of law. You are entitled to fair due process before they can revoke your security clearance, and with our representation you have someone to advocate for you during the appeals process. Our team can handle such matters:
- Federal Contractor Security Clearance
- Military Security Clearance
- Security Clearance Appeals, Revocations, and Denials
- Hearing Representation
- DOD and Federal Agency Clearance
When looking to advance your career or seize an opportunity, getting the required security clearances is critical to your success. You must contact a seasoned attorney to help with properly documenting your history. We can see to it that you obtain the clearance you need. We have vast experience counseling companies and clients as they go through the process of security clearance, and can handle tasks such as:
- Counseling for preclearance of DOD form 1879 and SF-86
- Preparing for polygraph examinations and other security clearance interviews
- Requesting hearings or post-denial hearings
- Drafting a response for the Statement of Reasons and Denial Letters
What a National Security Attorney Can do for You
Legal matters can be daunting and complicated. As such, a great lawyer is a massive asset to have any time the courts or contracts are involved. Like most professions though, law practitioners have areas of expertise. You’re likely familiar with lawyers in criminal defense, personal injury, and medical malpractice. While all diligent in their own right, such attorneys may not meet your needs when dealing with certain federal matters. A National security attorney in DC from Federal Practice Group will be able to assist with cases dealing with domestic and international policy. Whether you work in politics, advocacy, or international affairs, you’ll likely need a relationship with a national security lawyer at some point.
Immigration
Whether you’re a part of a non-profit advocacy group or a concerned family member, a National security attorney in DC should be the first person you contact for pending immigration cases. Whether for defense against Entry without Inspection or for assistance with the Naturalization process, a qualified professional from Federal Practice Group can greatly increase your chances of success.
WHAT CAN CAUSE AN IMMIGRATION CASE TO BE DENIED?
There are a variety of legal issues when it comes to immigration. Some reasons for immigration and naturalization cases being denied can be as simple as a few discrepancies in paperwork or can be from more dire concerns such as a criminal past, including federal charges. Discrimination can also be an issue as well. Since immigration law is so complex it’s best to have an attorney by your side even if you believe there are no concerns.
Military
A National security attorney in DC will also be able to assist you with legal matters relating to the United States Armed Forces. Not only are military matters complex, but they are also distinct from matters of civilian law. An attorney from Federal Practice Group can help members of the armed forces facing court-martials, disputing discharge records, or seeking disability compensation. Lawyers in this area can assist with both administrative and procedural tasks.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Members of the law enforcement and intelligence communities need to acquire and maintain adequate security clearances in order to perform their duties. Obtaining security clearance is not a one-time action, however. Depending on your clearance level, you will need to renew it every few years to stay employed. Additionally, your clearance will always be under review while employed. A national security lawyer can help advise, defend, and advocate for you should your clearance ever come into question. Should your clearance be revoked or denied for any reason, your employment is at risk. Retaining an attorney can help you appeal the decision, assist with paperwork, and lend a helping hand in getting your career back.
If you need legal advice in any of these areas, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney. Retaining a National security attorney in DC will make matters of immigration law, military law, and security clearances significantly easier on you and your organization.
OBTAINING SECURITY CLEARANCE
If you are in need of an initial security clearance or an upgrade in your current security clearance grade, connect with a national security attorney D.C. public sector employees trust. The process of obtaining or upgrading security clearance is a consequential one, and is therefore not to be approached lightly. Instead, you’ll want to gather all of the information and legal guidance you can so that you place yourself in the best possible position to have your security clearance application approved both confidently and without delay.
No one has a spotless record. No one who has reached the age of majority can say honestly that they have never done anything that they regret. Yet, it is important to remember that the government is not looking to hire saints. They are looking to hire trustworthy, reliable, character-driven individuals who would never betray the confidential and/or proprietary information held by the United States. You don’t have to be blameless and innocent to obtain a security clearance. However, you do need to be smart about the ways in which you’ll present information about yourself and how you will defend against any information that may block your path. Our experienced D.C. national security attorney team can help you to navigate this process as efficiently and effectively as is possible under the circumstances.
Know that the process of obtaining a security clearance involves a great deal of paperwork, as well as interviews. You may be interviewed, as may others who know you well. It is important to be truthful throughout this process, as holding back critical information that is later revealed could lead to the denial of your application or the revocation of a clearance that has been granted.
DC National Security Law Statistics
According to the National Background Investigations Bureau, just under 10 percent of applicants are denied by the National Security Agency. The CIA rejects approximately 7 percent of applicants and the National Reconnaissance Office also rejects about 7 percent. While that number may seem low, if you are one of those rejected, then call our law firm for assistance.
RESPONDING TO A SECURITY CLEARANCE DENIAL
If you have applied for a security clearance and your request has been denied, do not lose all hope. Our D.C. national security attorney team has extensive experience helping individuals to navigate their options in the wake of a security clearance denial. Connect with our team to explain your circumstances and clarify your rights and options under the law.
SEEKING GUIDANCE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
Whether you are seeking a security clearance for the first time or expect that your current security clearance credentials may soon be revoked, connect with the experienced Washington, D.C. legal team at The Federal Practice Group as soon as you possibly can. If something has already gone wrong and you know that you need legal assistance, that’s okay. We’re here to help. But, if you’re either applying for clearance for the first time or are otherwise anticipating concerns, be proactive! It is possible that by being proactive, our legal team will be better positioned to help you avoid any potentially negative consequences that could result from your circumstances. When possible, don’t reach out for legal guidance just when things go wrong… reach out for legal guidance when there may still be time to make things right.
SECURITY CLEARANCE REVOCATIONS
If you have had your security clearance revoked, you are not alone. Many federal employees have experienced a revocation in their security clearance status at one time or another. It is important to treat this revocation seriously, as failure to appeal the revocation successfully may limit your career advancement and/or cost you your job. The DC national security attorney team at Federal Practice Group can assess the unique circumstances of your situation in order to best determine how to move forward.
Obviously, there are some reasons for security clearance revocation that are more serious—and therefore, more likely to “stick”—than others. Security violations that concern the unauthorized disclosure of classified information generally lead to a legitimate revocation of security clearance status. With that said, there are cases in which a federal employee made a technical, slightly careless, or even negligent misstep that led to a security violation revocation that could potentially be appealed successfully.
Similarly, personal conduct and/or issues concerning drugs may lead to security clearance revocation. Generally speaking, unacceptable personal conduct for an individual with security clearance is defined as follows, “conduct involving questionable judgment, untrustworthiness, unreliability, lack of candor, dishonesty, or unwillingness to comply with rules and regulations could indicate that the person may not properly safeguard classified information.” Examples of such conduct are numerous and include a failure to cooperate with required testing, security processing, or proper completion of security forms. Intentionally providing incomplete or false information to the government or a government contractor is also a common reason for security clearance revocation because it calls into question the trustworthiness of the employees who are making questionable choices. Finally, a pattern of rule breaking or conduct that may render you more vulnerable to coercion or exploitation can lead to a security clearance revocation.
APPEALING A SECURITY CLEARANCE REVOCATION
Essentially, the appeals process will determine whether your alleged missteps make it truly doubtful that you are trustworthy, willing, and able to continue safeguarding classified information as you move forward in your career. If your misstep was innocent or relatively innocent, it is possible that representation from a knowledgeable DC national security attorney with the Federal Practice Group can lead to a successful defense of your claim.
When the experienced Washington DC legal team at the Federal Practice Group begins constructing your appeals defense, we will seek to determine whether any mitigating factors may play a role in your case. Certainly, if misinformation has contributed to the allegations against you, we will bring that to light. Additionally, our DC national security attorney team will question the recency of the alleged conduct, whether you voluntarily provided the information that led to the revocation, whether you have made good faith efforts—in a prompt manner—to correct false information or otherwise set a questionable situation right, and whether any negative information in question was either unsubstantiated or wasn’t pertinent to a determination of your trustworthiness and reliability.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN FOLLOWING A SECURITY CLEARANCE REVOCATION
Following a security clearance revocation, a number of issues may occur. The most major consequences following a security clearance revocation or if the minimum clearance level changes are losing your position or even your governmental career. While in the case of the clearance level changing you’re probably not at fault, but for a security clearance revocation, the typical reasons include foreign influence and security violations. The Adjudication Guidelines list 13 covers a wide spectrum of possible offenses that can call into question one’s allegiance or integrity towards the United States. Issues such as drug offenses or financial hardships can even be grounds for revocation as you might be more likely to sell out your country. Sex scandals can be an issue too as they may make you more susceptible to being blackmailed.
Unfortunately, sometimes revocation can also happen as a result of discrimination–such as due to race or religion or even retaliation from management. Whether you’re facing charges, personal affairs, or even discrimination that’s putting your security clearance in jeopardy, having an attorney by your side will ensure that revocation can be overturned.
REASONS FOR SECURITY LEVEL CHANGES
Usually, a security level change is the result of a job change or promotion, but a security level change can happen under any federal job. Your position might undergo a higher clearance level. One example could be if the job moves outside certain contracts that need higher levels of scrutiny. In such situations, an employee is generally given a grace period where they can complete the higher security clearance when needed. In such a situation, you should be given plenty of time and instructions to complete your new security clearance to either retain your current job or to fulfill your new role.
However, sometimes employees’ clearance is abruptly revoked without notice and this can often be the result of discrimination. Anything from race, religion, pregnancy, whistleblowing, filing a work injury claim or sexual harassment suit, etc. Another reason could be that management is simply wanting to terminate employees. No matter the reason if your security clearance level changes and you’re not given the opportunity to undergo the necessary steps to adjust, you can rightfully assume ulterior motives.
DC National Security Statistics
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency received over 4.5 million immigration benefit requests in 2021. Many of these requests involved individuals who needed the assistance of an immigration attorney with their applications.
3 TYPES OF IMMIGRATION CASES FOR A NATIONAL SECURITY ATTORNEY
When it comes to immigration law, there are several differences in the cases you might face. You may need a lawyer to help you get to the U.S., or you may need to defend your case to stay. A national security attorney in DC can help with many types of immigration cases. Lawyers at Federal Practice Group have experience in immigration law in these areas and more.
1. ASYLUM
In the US, there are very specific criteria to qualify for asylum. You have to have refugee status and be currently living in the country. You must also prove you have a “well-founded fear” of harm or persecution to be granted asylum and stay in the US. For example, if your religion is targeted and violently discriminated against in your home country, then your fear of harm upon returning could be well-founded. Other protected statuses recognized by the U.S. include:
- Race
- Nationality
- Religion
- Particular Social Group (or “PSG”)
- Political opinion
The application through the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCI) requires a lot of documentation, so hiring an attorney can help you prepare and present your case.
2. DACA
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is the program that allows undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children to defer deportation and work in the country. With this type of case, an applicant will need extensive documentation showing when they came to the US, what they have been doing since, and any legal trouble they may have been in. DACA applications are complex and an attorney can be helpful in organizing documentation or helping you appeal a denial.
3. VISAS
You may need assistance getting a visa. There are several types of visas you could apply for, and a national security attorney in DC can help navigate the system with you. Your purpose in the U.S. and country of origin will determine which visa to apply for. With over 50 visa categories, a Federal Practice Group lawyer can assist in getting you the right application. One common visa is the student visa or F-1. Almost every category also has a corresponding visa for the spouses and children of the applicant. Another common classification of visas is H visas. They are for temporary employees or trainees, including nurses and agricultural workers. No matter the visa or immigration issue, a national security attorney can help you get to the U.S.
Why HY MIGHT I NEED A NATIONAL SECURITY LAWYER?
National security law is under topics such as bioterrorism, cyber law, civil liberties, intelligence law, maritime law and foreign relations. And that’s just the most common type of national security law. Oftentimes national security lawyers are going to start out at law firms, they’re going to be in the government, the military or on Capitol Hill and from there they are going to branch out into national security issues. Another path is that this lawyer has worked for a defense contractor consulting firm, and that is if they’re private.
If your national security lawyers had a public start in the public sector then they might be working at federal agencies such as the Department of Justice and the CIA. Again, the military and nonprofits, even think tanks. In the private sector, your lawyer is going to be helping the clientele government or otherwise navigate restrictions regarding training. Germany or even finances.
But you’re here to find out why you might need a national security lawyer, not how they got to where they are today.
With the United States government looking to the private sector for help with counterterrorism and other national security threats, a national security lawyer is becoming a bigger deal for the private security sector. If you are a consultant for the United States government, the Department of Justice, the Department of Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, the White House, and more, and you are going to want a national security lawyer to help you.
In national security, lawyers going to be able to ensure that you are not violating any terms you’ve agreed you as a consultant for the United States government in any capacity, but furthermore they are going to be able to help you when you are looking at national security threat such as data theft, information and security mandates, and more.
With the private sector’s growth as a consultant think tank for the United States government’s needs, national security is bigger than ever. I national security lawyer might have clients and classified programs, and this means they need to be able to advise you no matter what you are involved in. Whether you are involved in classified programs, government access to information, national security litigation or investigation, cross-border economic activities, cybersecurity, and national security at a public policy level, you need a national security logger that can help you.
Every clearance level in every level of access is going to come with different rules, and as a consultant of the United States government, if you do not follow those rules when consulting for the government, you could really end up in trouble. If you have a national security lawyer who understands the terms of your contacting agreements to be a consultant for the United States government better than you do, they can ensure that you are following the rules.
Contact a Qualified Attorney
You can’t just rely on any attorney to handle your case and build a strong defense for you. Seek the legal assistance of a trusted attorney who has extensive experience assisting clients who have cases that deal with the federal government. You should not wait another day to explore your full legal options. Schedule a risk-free and confidential legal consultation with a top National Security Attorney from the Federal Practice Group to receive the urgent help that you need.