When facing security clearance issues, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How much does a security clearance lawyer cost? At the National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we prioritize transparency in our pricing, ensuring there are no hidden fees or surprises along the way. This straightforward approach is key to earning the trust of our clients, and we proudly offer free consultations, setting us apart from many other firms that charge just to review your case. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our pricing model and how it compares to others in the industry.

NSLF Pricing: Clear, Transparent, and No Surprises

At NSLF, we offer a flat fee structure that eliminates the worry of unexpected costs. Here’s how our pricing works:

  • Responding to a Letter of Intent (LOI): $3,500 flat fee.
    • This covers everything needed to respond to the LOI and begin fighting for your clearance.
  • Statement of Reasons (SOR): $5,000 flat fee, with a $3,000 credit for the LOI.
    • If your case progresses to a Statement of Reasons (SOR), we’ll apply a $3,000 credit from the initial LOI fee, so you’re not being charged twice for overlapping work.
  • Hearing: $7,500 flat fee (including travel).
    • Should your case require a hearing, our fee covers all related legal work, including travel costs, so you’re never left wondering about additional charges.

The only additional costs would be for any experts we might recommend for your case. Depending on your situation’s specific needs, this could include professionals such as psychologists, drug and alcohol counselors, or financial advisors. These experts are only brought in with your approval, and we will guide you through every step to ensure their involvement is necessary and valuable to your case.

Legal Fee Financing Option

At National Security Law Firm, we understand that upfront legal fees can be a barrier for many clients. To make our services more accessible, we offer flexible payment plans through Pay Later by Affirm. This option allows you to spread the cost of legal fees over time (anywhere from 3, 6, 9, 12, to 24 months), with no impact on your credit score and no hidden fees.

Why choose Pay Later?

  • Convenient: Quick and easy application process.
  • Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
  • Flexible: Choose from several payment plans to suit your budget.

For more details about this option and how it can benefit you, visit our Legal Fee Financing with National Security Law Firm page.

SF-86 Application Assistance Pricing: An Opportunity to Save Time and Money

One area where many applicants make mistakes is during the initial submission of the SF-86 form, the key document in the security clearance process. At NSLF, we offer two pricing options for SF-86 assistance:

  • Flat Fee: $950
  • Hourly Rate: $500 per hour

It’s always best to reach out to a lawyer before you submit your SF-86 if you think you may encounter any problems. Doing so can save you significant time and money down the road. We have seen many clients face issues that could have been avoided if they had consulted us beforehand. By seeking our advice early on, you can prevent costly appeals and streamline the entire clearance process.

Beware of Hidden Fees at Other Firms

It’s important to exercise caution when reviewing the pricing of other law firms. Unfortunately, many will quote a lower fee upfront, but when you receive their retainer agreement and read the fine print, the cost can skyrocket due to various hidden charges. These might include:

  • Additional time: Charging extra for time spent on your case beyond a predetermined limit.
  • Travel expenses: Requiring you to cover travel and accommodation costs on top of your legal fees.
  • Pending cases: Raising fees based on how long your case remains unresolved.
  • Miscellaneous charges or “expenses:” Fees for filing documents, court costs, or administrative work, or whatever else the law firm classifies as an “expense” are all added on later.

At NSLF, we avoid these kinds of tactics because we believe in full transparency. When you sign on with us, the price is locked in, and you know exactly what you’re getting. You’ll never face unexpected invoices or vague excuses for additional fees.

Comparing NSLF’s Flat Fee Model to Other Firms

Some law firms still charge by the hour for security clearance appeals, which can lead to significant uncertainty. With hourly billing, you can never be sure how much your appeal will cost in the end—attorneys may spend extra time on the case, and the bill adds up quickly. This creates anxiety and stress as you watch costs balloon, sometimes beyond what you initially budgeted.

At NSLF, we avoid this problem by offering flat fees. Our pricing model ensures that:

  • You know exactly how much the entire process will cost.
  • There’s no incentive for us to drag out your case.
  • You avoid the stress and uncertainty of unpredictable bills.

Flat fees eliminate the guesswork, allowing you to focus on your case without worrying about how much you’ll be billed. This approach not only saves you money but also provides peace of mind that your case will be handled efficiently and effectively.

You Get What You Pay For: Invest in Quality Representation

Remember, when it comes to security clearances, you get what you pay for. While some attorneys may try to lure clients with lowball quotes, the reality is that your security clearance is your livelihood—it’s your entire career. Entrusting it to the cheapest legal option can have serious, long-term consequences. A low initial fee can quickly balloon when corners are cut, and you may end up paying far more in the end if your case is mishandled or dragged out unnecessarily.

At NSLF, you’ll be working with top-tier military lawyers who have spent their careers handling security clearance issues. Our team is composed of experienced former military intelligence attorneys who have spent years dealing with complex clearance matters. Brett O’Brien, one of our founding partners, brings extensive experience from handling security clearance cases at the Department of Defense’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). Brett and his team have represented clients in some of the most challenging security clearance cases, using their insider knowledge to navigate the system with precision and expertise.

What is DOHA and Why Does Experience There Matter?

The Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) is the primary federal forum for resolving security clearance disputes. DOHA hearings can be highly complex, involving legal arguments, the presentation of evidence, and often the testimony of expert witnesses. The stakes are high, as these hearings determine whether or not you will maintain your clearance—and by extension, your livelihood.

Having experience at DOHA is crucial. Brett O’Brien, founding partner of NSLF, brings significant experience handling cases at DOHA. His experience working on high-profile security clearance cases within the Department of Defense gives him a distinct advantage over civilian lawyers with little or no experience in this specialized area. Brett’s background includes advocating for clients before DOHA, understanding the tactics and strategies that work, and leveraging his insider knowledge to provide the best possible defense for his clients.

Civilian Lawyers May Fall Short

Many civilian lawyers who advertise security clearance services in this area lack the background or expertise to properly handle these cases. They may not fully understand the nuances of security clearance law or the unique procedures and challenges of a DOHA hearing. Often, these attorneys approach cases from a civilian perspective, which lacks the precision, focus, and expertise that come with years of experience in military and national security law.

At NSLF, our military lawyers set the bar for excellence in security clearance cases. Our team includes former military intelligence officers who have spent their careers mastering the intricacies of clearance adjudication. We’ve been in the trenches of security clearance law, and we know what it takes to succeed.

Meet the NSLF Team: Experienced and Battle-Hardened Advocates

At NSLF, you’ll be represented by a team of elite military lawyers who bring decades of experience to the table. Here are some of the key members of our team:

  • Brett O’Brien: Brett, our founding partner, brings over 14 years of experience advising on security clearance issues. He has not only advised federal agencies but also litigated cases at DOHA, offering a unique blend of legal and strategic insights that give our clients a significant edge.
  • Luke Rose: With over 15 years as an intelligence law attorney in the federal government, Luke spent his career advising commanders on security clearances and clearance-related issues. His deep knowledge of the inner workings of security clearance law makes him a critical asset to your case.
  • Alan Ott: Alan brings over 30 years of experience with the federal government, including serving as a Senior Executive Service (SES) intelligence law attorney. He advised federal intelligence agencies on security clearance matters and has a wealth of experience that few can match.
  • Carl Marrone: As a former Army prosecutor, defense attorney, and Los Angeles County prosecutor, Carl is an impressive and aggressive litigator. He is the attorney you want fighting your case—accomplished, experienced, and highly skilled in the courtroom.
  • Sean Rogers: Sean spent 17 years litigating for the Army as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. His success as a litigator has seamlessly transferred to security clearance cases, where his skills have led to significant victories for his clients.

Make Sure to Vet Your Lawyer

It’s critical to carefully vet any attorney you consider hiring for your security clearance case. We recommend seeking personal recommendations from trusted sources and thoroughly researching a lawyer’s background and experience. Google reviews can be a helpful tool, but be cautious—some law firms have been known to rebrand themselves to escape negative reviews. At NSLF, we’re proud of our reputation, and we encourage you to check our reviews and ask around for feedback on our firm. We stand by our commitment to delivering top-quality representation, and our clients’ satisfaction speaks for itself.

Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Security Clearance Case

Your security clearance is too important to leave in the hands of an inexperienced or low-cost attorney. Make sure you hire a lawyer who understands the intricacies of the process, has years of experience working with federal agencies, and is transparent with their pricing.

At the National Security Law Firm, our attorneys set the bar in security clearance cases. Our team includes former military intelligence lawyers who have dedicated their entire careers to this field. We take pride in our fearless approach, our insider knowledge, and our track record of success. With NSLF, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re bringing in a highly skilled team committed to fighting for your security clearance.

You can read more about the National Security Law Firm on our About Us page and why you should choose our firm to represent you on your security clearance issue. In addition, don’t check forget to check out our reviews. We also encourage you to read our Essential Guide to What to Look for in a Security Clearance Lawyer.

So, if you’re facing a security clearance issue, reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity, giving you the peace of mind that comes from working with true experts.

It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!