How to Choose the Best Security Clearance Lawyer

What to Look For—And Why Experience on Both Sides of the Table Matters Most

Navigating the security clearance process can be complex, stressful, and at times, overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for your first clearance, appealing a revocation, or fighting a denial, having the right legal representation can make all the difference.

But how do you choose the right security clearance lawyer—one who can actually win your case?

At the National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we know what it takes to fight for your clearance—and win. With over 90 years of combined experience, our team of former federal attorneys, administrative judges, and military lawyers understands the unique challenges of security clearance cases from both sides of the process.

Here’s what you should look for—and how NSLF checks every box:

1. Federal and Military Law Expertise

Security clearance cases are not general practice. They are governed by federal regulations, national security concerns, and agency-specific adjudicative frameworks. Your attorney must have experience not just responding to clearance issues—but advising the government on how to make those decisions.

At NSLF, every one of our attorneys has served inside the federal system—as military JAG officers, agency counsel, or federal administrative judges. That insider perspective gives us unparalleled strategic vision when it comes to protecting your clearance.

We’re not learning this area of law on your case—we’ve lived it for decades.

2. Experience With the 13 Adjudicative Guidelines

Security clearances are evaluated under 13 distinct Adjudicative Guidelines, including:

• Foreign Influence

• Financial Considerations

• Alcohol or Drug Use

• Criminal Conduct

• Mental Health

• Personal Conduct, and more.

A truly experienced lawyer will understand the nuances of each guideline, how agencies weigh evidence under them, and how to construct a powerful rebuttal or mitigation plan. At NSLF, we handle every guideline, every day.

Whether your issues involve dual citizenship, past debts, or prior criminal charges, we know how to reframe your narrative around trustworthiness, reliability, and sound judgment—the three pillars of clearance eligibility.

3. Proven Success in Appeals and Hearings

If your clearance is denied or revoked, experience at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) or other agency tribunals is non-negotiable.

NSLF maintains dozens of hearings on our docket at any given time, and our attorneys are seasoned litigators who know how to prepare compelling pre-hearing submissions, challenge government evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present persuasive oral arguments.

But we’re not trigger-happy. We win many cases before they reach a hearing—saving clients time, stress, and risk—because we know how to resolve them strategically at the Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) or Statement of Reasons (SOR) stage.

We are ready for battle when necessary—and trained to win the war before it starts.

4. Ability to Navigate Bureaucratic Hurdles

Security clearance cases are notorious for red tape and delays. A strong attorney must know how to:

• File and litigate effective FOIA requests

• Obtain agency records that bolster your case

• Challenge procedural mishandlings

• Cut through administrative bottlenecks

• Work with experts like psychologists or security consultants when needed

At NSLF, we combine strategic legal experience with insider bureaucratic knowledge to get results. We’ve spent our careers helping agencies navigate these systems—and now we use that same knowledge to help you.

5. Strategic Insight and Custom Solutions

Every clearance case is different. Cookie-cutter responses won’t cut it.

Our firm doesn’t recycle templates or outsource your case to junior staff. We craft a tailored strategy for each client, drawing on real-world agency experience, government policies, and adjudication history. We’ll help you anticipate obstacles, rebut government assumptions, and demonstrate your full rehabilitation or mitigation.

Our attorneys don’t just check boxes. We solve problems. And we do it with mission-focused precision.

6. Transparent Pricing and Flexible Financing

We understand that legal fees are a major concern—especially when your clearance (and career) is on the line. That’s why NSLF offers clear, transparent pricing, flat fees, and no hidden costs.

Here’s our security clearance pricing model:

• LOI Response – $3,500 flat fee

• SOR Response – $5,000 flat fee (includes $3,000 credit if we handled the LOI)

• Hearing Representation – $7,500 flat fee, including travel

If outside experts (e.g., psychologists or financial consultants) are recommended, those services are discussed and approved by you in advance—no surprises.

We also offer free consultations and legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm, allowing you to spread out payments over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months—with no impact on your credit score to check eligibility.

🟢 Learn more about our legal financing options

7. Location: Washington, D.C.—The Epicenter of Security Clearance Law

Location does matter.

Washington, D.C. is home to the majority of federal agencies and tribunals where clearance cases are decided. Our presence in the capital means we’re plugged into the system, close to decision-makers, and ready to appear in person when needed.

Why hire someone who has to fly in to meet with the agency reviewing your clearance, when we’re already here?

Meet the NSLF Team: Government-Trained, Battle-Tested, Client-Focused

When you work with NSLF, you’re not hiring a solo practitioner—you’re retaining an elite legal unit trained by and forged within the federal government.

⚖️ Brett O’Brien

14+ years advising intelligence agencies, supporting Army intelligence units, and defending clients before DOHA. Trained in the Navy’s classified litigation program and known for cutting-edge legal strategy.

⚖️ Katie Quintana

Former Acting Chief Judge at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As a federal judge, Katie adjudicated security clearance revocations and suspensions—and now uses that deep judicial insight to fight for our clients on the other side.

⚖️ Luke Rose

Over 15 years as a National Security Law attorney in the Army. Advised commanders on clearance adjudications, handled intelligence-related legal matters, and deployed as a legal advisor to high-level missions around the globe.

⚖️ Carl Marrone

Former U.S. Army JAG and LA County prosecutor. Carl’s aggressive courtroom skills and deep legal knowledge make him one of our go-to litigators for clearance hearings.

⚖️ Duane “Dak” Kees

Former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, appointed by President Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Dak brings unmatched experience as a federal prosecutor and Army JAG officer, having handled high-stakes criminal and national security cases both in federal court and under the UCMJ. His dual background makes him a powerful advocate for clients navigating security clearance and military justice matters.

⚖️ Sean Rogers

17 years of military and federal litigation experience, including as both prosecutor and defense counsel. Sean’s meticulous preparation and tactical edge lead to frequent wins for clients facing high-stakes clearance denials.