What Makes a Strong (or Weak) Security Clearance Case? Expert Insights

You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Perhaps you’ve landed a dream job that requires a security clearance, or you’re a dedicated government contractor whose career now hangs in the balance due to a clearance issue. Maybe an old mistake, financial trouble, or association is standing between you and your future. The anxiety can be overwhelming: Will I lose my clearance? What if they deny me? How will I support my family? When your livelihood, reputation, and service to country are on the line, you cannot afford to get this wrong. That’s where we come in.

National Security Law Firm (NSLF) understands the high stakes and the complex rules of the security clearance process. We’ve helped people just like you navigate the maze of forms, background checks, and hearings to secure or restore their clearances. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what makes a security clearance case strong or weak—and how you can position yourself for success. By the end, you’ll know how to avoid common pitfalls, leverage mitigating factors, and confidently move forward toward your dream outcome.

Traits of a Strong Security Clearance Case

A “strong” security clearance case means that, when adjudicators review your background, they find minimal concern and abundant reassurance that you can be trusted with classified information. Here are some hallmarks of a strong case:

• Honesty and Full Disclosure: Trustworthiness is everything. The moment you fill out your SF-86 form (the security clearance application), honesty must be your guiding principle. Omitting or misrepresenting information is the fastest way to weaken a case. In fact, the official SF-86 instructions explicitly warn that withholding or falsifying information can result in clearance denial, loss of employment, and even prosecution. A strong case is one where you’ve disclosed all required information truthfully, even if some of it is uncomfortable. Paradoxically, acknowledging past issues openly helps you by showing investigators you have nothing to hide. One lie or cover-up can sink an otherwise solid application, so be forthright from the start.

• Older, Isolated Issues (Time Since Incident): Security clearance adjudicators operate under the “whole-person” concept, examining your entire life for patterns of reliability or unreliability. The good news is they also recognize growth and change over time. Incidents far in your past—especially one-time mistakes—carry much less weight than recent or repeated problems. Official guidelines emphasize that if questionable behavior “was not recent” and “an isolated incident,” it is far less disqualifying. For example, a minor offense or financial delinquency from 10+ years ago (with no recurrence) will be viewed with much more forgiveness than something that happened last year. In a strong case, time is on your side: you’ve maintained a clean record in the years since any past issue, demonstrating that it was an anomaly, not a recurring pattern.

• Evidence of Rehabilitation or Mitigation: Just having a past issue isn’t fatal if you can show it’s been actively resolved or mitigated. A strong security clearance case will include concrete evidence that you’ve addressed any problems and learned from them. For instance:

  • If you had financial difficulties, a strong case shows you took responsible action: paid off debts or are in a repayment plan, obtained financial counseling, etc. (Mitigating factors under Guideline F include good-faith efforts to repay creditors and events beyond your control causing the debt).

  • If you had a drug or alcohol incident, a strong case might include proof of completion of a treatment program or sustained sobriety with support group involvement (mitigation under Guideline H or G).

  • If you have a foreign relative or connection that raises questions of foreign influence, a strong case provides context and assurances (e.g. demonstrating the relationship does not pose a security risk and perhaps limiting the contact).

  • If there was a criminal or disciplinary issue, a strong case highlights rehabilitation: completion of probation, no further law violations, letters from mentors or supervisors attesting to your reformed character, etc.

  In short, a strong case doesn’t ignore past concerns—it confronts them head-on with evidence that the concerns have been resolved. Adjudicators are looking for indications that any past problem is unlikely to recur. Showing formal rehabilitation steps (like counseling, classes, or community service) and positive changes in behavior will strongly support your case.

• Strong References and Endorsements: Nothing vouches for your reliability better than trusted people putting their reputations on the line for you. In a strong security clearance package, you’ll typically include character references and possibly supervisory endorsements. For example, letters from a current employer, military commander, or respected community leader attesting to your trustworthiness can carry significant weight. If you’re in the military or a federal job, having your chain of command’s support (in writing) can be a game-changer. These third-party endorsements show adjudicators that people who know you best are willing to stand up for your character. It’s a powerful vote of confidence that can tip a close call in your favor.

• Complete and Well-Prepared Application: A strong case is also one that is professionally presented and error-free. This means your SF-86 and all supplemental paperwork are thorough, organized, and consistent. You’ve answered every question fully (with explanations where needed), supplied all requested documents, and double-checked for mistakes or omissions. In a strong case, there are no surprises when the investigator performs your background check because you already disclosed everything upfront. Consistency is key: what you say on the form, what you say to investigators, and what your records show should all align. If there were any discrepancies, you proactively clarify them. This level of preparation shows adjudicators that you’re detail-oriented, honest, and taking the process seriously. Many applicants choose to work with an experienced security clearance attorney in drafting their responses for this very reason—to ensure the package is as strong as possible. An application that anticipates and addresses potential concerns leaves little room for doubt about your eligibility.

Traits of a Weak Security Clearance Case

A “weak” security clearance case is one that raises red flags or doubt in the minds of the decision-makers. These are the cases that often result in a Statement of Reasons (SOR) – the document outlining why the government is inclined to deny or revoke a clearance. Here are common traits that weaken a case (and that you want to avoid):

• Recent or Ongoing Misconduct: Timing is critical in clearance decisions. Recent issues or problems that are still unresolved (e.g. ongoing legal troubles, very recent drug use, outstanding large debts, etc.) will immediately put your clearance in jeopardy. If you were arrested last month, or you are currently in the middle of a bankruptcy with no repayment plan, adjudicators will see you as a high-risk candidate. Fresh misconduct = major red flag. The government’s concern is that current instability makes you more vulnerable to coercion or poor judgment. In a weak case, the problems are just too here-and-now to ignore. It’s much harder to argue “that was then, this is now” when “then” was yesterday. Additionally, if you receive a Statement of Reasons while issues are ongoing, it means you’ll have to scramble to show mitigating steps in real-time, which is inherently difficult.

• Pattern of Issues or Multiple Violations: One mistake might be forgiven, but a pattern of repeated issues is far more damaging. A weak clearance case often reveals a history of problems across time or across different areas. For example, maybe you have several financial delinquencies across years, or multiple alcohol-related incidents, or a criminal record with more than one offense. Even if each incident alone might be mitigated, together they paint a picture of unreliability. Adjudicative Guideline provisions explicitly note that “multiple offenses or a pattern of misconduct” indicate an ongoing issue, not a one-time lapse. It’s difficult to convince adjudicators you’ve changed your ways if the behavior keeps happening. Patterns suggest a character issue rather than an isolated lapse in judgment. In a weak case, the government may conclude that these recurring problems outweigh any positive aspects (“too many strikes” against you). Remember, they evaluate all 13 guideline areas in your life – so patterns of concern in one or multiple categories (e.g. personal conduct and financial and alcohol) compound the risk.

• Lack of Remediation or Mitigating Evidence: Just as proactive mitigation strengthens a case, the absence of any effort to address concerns will weaken it. If an SOR lists issues and you respond with little more than excuses or denials (without proof of improvement), your case is not likely to succeed. A weak case might, for example, acknowledge $50,000 in unpaid debts but provide no plan or effort to pay them down. Or admit to drug use but offer no evidence of rehabilitation or commitment to abstain. Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (which governs clearance guidelines) provides specific mitigating factors for each type of concern. If you can’t demonstrate any of those mitigators apply, the concern remains. Think of it this way: a weak case is one that leaves adjudicators unconvinced that the problem won’t happen again. It’s not enough to say “trust me, it’ll be fine” – you need to show why. Without letters of reference, documented steps of reform, or other supporting evidence, your case may come across as unprepared and unpersuasive.

• Dishonesty or Inconsistencies: Perhaps the most significant weak-point in any clearance case is a lack of candor. If you lied on your forms, lied during the interview, or your story keeps changing, your credibility can be irreparably damaged. Personal Conduct (Guideline E) issues – like false statements or omissions – are routinely cited as top reasons for clearance denial. A weak case might involve an applicant who failed to mention a past arrest or foreign contact on the SF-86, only for investigators to discover it later. Or someone who answered “no” to a question, then evidence shows the answer was actually “yes.” These inconsistencies scream “untrustworthy.” The clearance process actually gives you multiple chances to be forthcoming (on the forms, in follow-up interrogatories, during the polygraph or interview). Each is an opportunity to correct the record. A case becomes very weak if you stick to a false story until you’re caught – by then, the damage is done. Even if the underlying issue itself was minor, the cover-up is often worse (e.g. failing to list a small foreign bank account, then looking deceptive once it’s found). Always remember: lying to the government during a clearance review is not only grounds for denial, it can be a criminal offense. If there’s one thing you absolutely must avoid, it’s appearing dishonest.

• Going It Alone Without Expert Guidance: Finally, a subtler trait of weak cases is the lack of professional guidance in presenting the response. Many people try to handle a complex clearance denial or SOR response on their own, only to make avoidable mistakes. For example, they might give overly detailed admissions that hurt more than help, miss critical procedural deadlines, or fail to submit important evidence. Without an attorney or expert who specializes in security clearances, it’s easy to misunderstand what the adjudicators are really looking for. We’ve seen otherwise qualified individuals lose their clearance simply because they didn’t know how to argue their case effectively. A weak case may have a hastily written personal statement full of emotion but lacking factual mitigation, or missing documents that a seasoned lawyer would know to include. In short, not seeking experienced legal help can leave you flying blind through a very technical process, increasing the odds of a denial. (By contrast, getting help early can turn a “weak” case into a winning one by properly framing the facts and leveraging the right defenses.)

What Does It Cost to Hire a Security Clearance Lawyer?

At NSLF, we believe in transparent, flat-fee pricing for our security clearance representation. You should know upfront what your investment will be, with no surprises. Our firm offers tailored packages for each stage of the clearance process, for example:

• SF-86 Application Review – $950: We will review your SF-86 (clearance application) before you submit it, helping you spot any potential red flags or errors. This proactive review can save you from costly mistakes (like accidentally leaving out required information) and ensure your application is as strong as possible from the start.

• Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) Response – $3,500: If you’ve received a Letter of Interrogatory (essentially a warning that the agency plans to deny unless you respond), we handle the entire written response. This flat fee covers drafting a comprehensive reply to the LOI, including legal arguments and evidence to mitigate the listed concerns. We’ll guide you on gathering supporting documents and craft a persuasive case to prevent that intent from becoming a final denial.

• Statement of Reasons (SOR) Response – $5,000: For a formal SOR (the document detailing specific reasons your clearance is being denied or revoked), we charge a flat $5,000 to prepare your response from start to finish. This includes developing a personalized defense strategy, writing a point-by-point rebuttal or explanation for each allegation, and assembling exhibits (like financial records, affidavits, rehab program certificates—whatever bolsters your case). Bonus: If you already paid for an LOI response with us and it proceeded to an SOR, we credit $3,000 from that prior stage toward the SOR work. In other words, you’re not paying double for work that built on the same issues.

• DOHA Hearing Representation – $7,500: If your case proceeds to a DOHA hearing (or other clearance appeal hearing before an administrative judge), our flat fee of $7,500 covers everything needed to fight for you at the hearing. This includes all preparation, witness coaching, travel to the hearing location (we represent clients nationwide), and of course, the attorney advocacy at the hearing itself. One fee, start to finish, no hidden costs. We will make sure your case is presented in the best possible light before the judge or adjudicative panel.

These flat fees mean you know exactly what you’ll pay for expert legal help in defending your clearance. We find this gives our clients peace of mind—no hourly billing clock ticking in the background, and no hesitation to pick up the phone and ask questions.

Need help managing the cost? We’ve got you covered there too. NSLF proudly offers legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm to break payments into affordable installments. This means you can get the legal help immediately without financial strain. (There’s no impact to check your eligibility, and you can spread payments out over 3, 6, 12, or even 24 months – see our Financing page for details.) We want you to focus on your case, not the cost, so we’ve made financing as quick and easy as possible.

Why Choose NSLF?

If you’re facing a security clearance issue, you need more than just a lawyer – you need the right lawyer. National Security Law Firm has the specialized experience and track record to give you the best shot at success. Here’s why NSLF is the trusted go-to firm for security clearance cases:

• ⭐ 4.9-Star Rating on Google from hundreds of satisfied clients. Our client testimonials speak for themselves – we’ve earned a stellar reputation by delivering results and peace of mind.

• Founded by disabled veterans, staffed by former military and government attorneys. We don’t just know the law; we’ve lived the life. Our team includes ex-DOHA adjudicators and national security professionals who understand the system from the inside. We are veterans who have walked in your shoes and are dedicated to protecting those who serve.

• Specialized Expertise in Security Clearance Matters. This is not a side job for us – it’s our core focus. From DoD CAF to DCSA, from military branch clearances to IC (Intelligence Community) polygraph issues, we know the procedures, the players, and the nuances of clearance law.

• Nationwide Representation. No matter where you are or which agency is handling your case, we can represent you. Clearance appeals often involve written submissions and virtual hearings, and we are admitted to practice before DOHA and federal agencies across the country. Whether you’re in Washington, D.C. or a remote base, we’ve got you covered.

• Flat-Fee Pricing with No Surprises. As discussed above, we offer flat fees for each stage of the process. You’ll never get a mysterious bill from us. That transparency is one reason clients trust us – we align our incentives with yours to win your case efficiently.

• Deep Knowledge of the Adjudicative Guidelines and Defense Strategies. Our attorneys stay on the cutting edge of security clearance developments. We know how to navigate the 13 adjudicative guidelines (from Allegiance to the U.S. to Misuse of IT Systemsecfr.gov), and we craft creative arguments to mitigate issues under each one. We’ve likely handled cases with facts very similar to yours – and can leverage that experience to your benefit.

• Personalized, Relentless Advocacy. We understand that everything is on the line for you. Our motto is more than just words: National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You. We take that seriously. When you hire NSLF, you get a dedicated team that pours heart and soul into defending your clearance. We treat your case as if it were our own career on the line – because we know how much it matters.

Bottom line: our mission is to secure your clearance and safeguard your future. We’ve helped countless clients save their jobs, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Additional Resources

Knowledge is power. We believe in educating our clients and prospective clients, so you know what you’re up against. If you want to dive deeper into security clearance tips and strategies, be sure to visit our Security Clearance Practice Page. It’s a hub of useful resources on this topic. There you’ll find guides and articles covering things like “Top Mistakes to Avoid in Clearance Applications,” “How to Win a Clearance Appeal,” and common defenses and strategies to overcome various clearance problems. These materials can give you more insight into the process and what steps you can take to strengthen your position. Remember, the more informed you are, the better you can navigate the road ahead – and our Security Clearance Resource Center is a great place to start.

Your Future Is Too Important to Leave to Chance

You’ve invested your career – and countless hours of training and hard work – to earn the trust that a security clearance represents. Don’t let one issue derail everything. A security clearance denial or revocation can feel like your world is collapsing, but it doesn’t have to end that way. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of a positive outcome.

Imagine being able to sleep soundly tonight knowing that you’ve taken the first step to resolve this. That peace of mind can start now. Book a free consultation with our team, and we’ll immediately get to work on a plan. In that free call, we’ll review your situation, answer your burning questions, and tell you exactly what steps to take next to maximize your chances of success. There’s no obligation and no pressure – just clear, honest guidance.

Time is critical in clearance cases. Every day that passes without addressing the issue is a day your career remains on hold. By acting now, you give us more runway to gather evidence, build your case, and engage with the agency on your behalf. It’s amazing how much more can be achieved when we aren’t bumping up against a deadline. The quicker you reach out, the stronger your defense can be.

We’ve made getting help as easy as possible – no need to play phone tag or wait for office hours. You can schedule a consultation online 24/7 via our website. It’s just a few clicks to grab a time slot that works for you (no need to even speak with a receptionist). The quickest and easiest way to get your career back on track is one click away. So why wait?

Take control of your future now. You’ve worked too hard to let this slip away. Let us take the weight off your shoulders and fight for your clearance while you focus on what matters most. Go to sleep tonight knowing you’ve finally taken action to protect your career.

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