They Denied Your Security Clearance. Now What?

You’ve just been notified that your security clearance has been denied—or worse, revoked. Maybe you received a Statement of Reasons (SOR), a Letter of Interrogatory (LOI), or a final decision after a hearing. Regardless of the stage, one thing is clear: your job, your career, your reputation, and your future are all on the line.

You may be feeling frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed. You might be wondering:

  • “Can I still fight this?”

  • “What kind of defense actually works?”

  • “Is there any hope of keeping my job—or getting another one?”

At National Security Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully fight back against clearance denials, even in the toughest of cases. We know what works—and what doesn’t—when your professional future hangs in the balance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective defense strategies for responding to a clearance denial, breaking down common pitfalls, insider tactics, and key concepts under the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines (SEAD 4). These are the same strategies we use every day to defend federal employees, military personnel, contractors, and civilian applicants nationwide.

Understand What You’re Up Against

Before we dive into defense strategies, it’s essential to understand the playing field.

Security clearances can be denied or revoked for concerns falling under 13 Adjudicative Guidelines, including:

Each case is unique, but your goal is always the same: convince the adjudicator or judge that you are reliable, trustworthy, and not a risk to national security.

Let’s look at how to do that.

Strategy #1: Respond Promptly and Comprehensively to the SOR or LOI

If you received a Statement of Reasons or Letter of Interrogatory, you must submit a timely written response. This is often your first—and sometimes your only—chance to resolve the issue without a formal hearing.

Key Defense Tips:

  • Address every allegation directly and clearly

  • Use a numbered format that mirrors the SOR

  • Attach supporting documents (e.g., credit reports, treatment records, letters of recommendation, tax returns, court dispositions)

  • Cite relevant mitigating factors under SEAD 4

  • Be honest, respectful, and take responsibility where appropriate

Example (Hypothetical):
An applicant is alleged to have failed to file taxes in 2020 and 2021 (Guideline F). He responds with proof of filed returns, documentation of a payment plan with the IRS, and a signed letter from a CPA explaining the previous filing delays due to COVID-related hardship. He also shows a perfect filing record since.

Strategy #2: Build a Mitigation Narrative Using SEAD 4

SEAD 4 isn’t just a list of reasons to deny someone a clearance—it also provides a blueprint for your defense through its built-in mitigating conditions.

Every guideline contains multiple mitigating factors. Your job is to show that at least one applies to you.

Examples of Mitigating Factors:

  • The issue is isolated or dated

  • The behavior occurred under unusual circumstances unlikely to recur

  • The individual acted responsibly (e.g., sought counseling, repaid debt, self-reported a mistake)

  • There’s been a substantial period of good behavior

  • There’s rehabilitation or change in behavior

Pro Tip: Use the exact language from SEAD 4 and cite it in your response or hearing. Frame your entire defense around these conditions.

Strategy #3: Show Rehabilitation and Positive Change

Even serious conduct can be mitigated if you can show meaningful change over time. Clearance authorities want to see that you’ve learned from the past and are unlikely to repeat the behavior.

Helpful Forms of Proof:

  • Letters of support from supervisors, colleagues, clergy, or community leaders

  • Completion of treatment programs (e.g., substance abuse, anger management, financial counseling)

  • Certificates of training or education

  • Documentation of promotions, awards, or other signs of personal/professional growth

  • A clean record since the incident(s)

Example (Hypothetical):
A federal employee had a DUI in 2021. He voluntarily enrolled in an alcohol awareness program, has had no incidents since, and provides five letters from supervisors and coworkers affirming his reliability and sobriety. That combination of rehab + time + support creates a strong mitigation.

Strategy #4: Dispute or Clarify Inaccurate Allegations

Sometimes the information in the government’s file is outdated, incorrect, or lacks proper context. You have the right to dispute inaccurate allegations—but you must do so with evidence.

How to Dispute Effectively:

  • Request your investigative file (e.g., through DOHA or agency-specific channels)

  • Submit clarifying statements or third-party declarations

  • Provide court records, police reports, or government letters showing disposition of issues

  • Highlight inconsistencies or factual errors in the government’s timeline

Important: Simply saying “that’s not true” isn’t enough. You must prove your version is correct or at least plausible.

Strategy #5: Prepare Persuasive Testimony (If You Have a Hearing)

If your case proceeds to a hearing, you’ll testify under oath before an administrative judge. This is your chance to tell your story—and win your case in person.

Best Practices for Testifying:

  • Practice beforehand with your attorney

  • Be truthful, calm, and composed—even under tough questioning

  • Acknowledge mistakes when appropriate, but focus on growth and rehabilitation

  • Explain the context without making excuses

  • Dress professionally and treat the hearing with formality

Witnesses can also make a huge difference. Consider having:

  • Supervisors testify to your reliability

  • Family or friends testify to changed behavior

  • Experts (e.g., substance abuse counselors, psychologists) testify to treatment or recovery

Strategy #6: Don’t Go It Alone—Hire an Experienced Clearance Attorney

Clearance law is complex, and you’re not just fighting facts—you’re navigating a bureaucracy with its own language, process, and unwritten norms. Having the right attorney can make all the difference.

An experienced security clearance attorney can:

  • Draft a persuasive written response

  • Help gather the right supporting documents

  • Cross-examine government witnesses at hearings

  • Craft a strategy aligned with SEAD 4 mitigation

  • Avoid fatal procedural mistakes

What Does It Cost to Defend a Clearance Denial?

At NSLF, we offer flat-fee pricing to help you budget with confidence:

  • Statement of Reasons (SOR) Response: $5,000

  • Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) Response: $3,500

    • If escalated to an SOR, we credit $3,000 toward the SOR response

  • Hearing Representation (Includes Travel): $7,500

  • SF-86 Review (Pre-Application or Risk Assessment): $950

We also offer flexible legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm, allowing clients to split payments over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months. No hard credit check. Learn more here:
👉 https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/financing/

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

You don’t just need a lawyer. You need the right team—one that knows how to fight, and win, clearance denials.

At NSLF, we are:

  • The go-to clearance firm with a 4.9-star Google rating: Read our reviews

  • Staffed by attorneys with decades of combined experience in military law, national security, federal employment, and DOHA litigation

  • Former adjudicators, military prosecutors, judges, and federal investigators

  • Located in Washington, D.C., at the center of federal clearance decision-making

  • Built by disabled veterans who understand service and sacrifice

  • A team that meets weekly to strategize every complex case

You get not just an advocate—but an army behind you.
National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.

Additional Resources

Want to explore more ways to strengthen your case?

Check out our Security Clearance practice area page to access:

  • Common mistakes applicants make

  • How to win your clearance back

  • Breakdown of adjudicative guidelines

  • Strategies for responding to each type of concern

  • Timeline and expectations for clearance appeals

You’ll find everything you need to build your strongest case and avoid surprises.

Book a Free Consultation—Let’s Build Your Winning Defense

Every day you wait is another day without clarity. Whether you’ve just received your SOR or lost at a hearing, we can help you take back control.

We’ll create a personalized legal plan, walk you through your options, and fight for the best possible outcome. You don’t have to do this alone.

The sooner you act, the stronger your position.
The easiest way to get answers? Schedule a free consultation online right now.

👉 Book your free consult here
It’s quick, easy, and confidential—and it might be the most important step you take today.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.