Historically, the United States has attracted the world’s top creative talent because of the innovative core of economic opportunity. Following the attacks on September 11, many companies are now facing the growing challenge of obtaining security clearances for new employees, as well as protecting the clearance of longtime employees who have ties to foreign countries. Revised restrictions and rules have caused staggering security clearance backlogs, with over 300,000 applications pending and an average processing period of 274 days. For many businesses, these issues can cost millions of dollars in lost contracts and productivity.

The attorneys of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP routinely assist companies and individuals who are affected by the revised security clearance requirements to gain the clearances they seek. Our attorneys are in regular contact with representatives from the Defense Security Service (DSS) and the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA), the appellate authority for negative initial security clearance determinations, and continuously monitor developments in security clearance regulation. Our practice works with companies and individuals on every aspect of security clearances, from consulting on initial background investigations to the DOHA appeals process. Our attorneys have successfully defended more DOHA challenges to personal security clearances than any other law firm, and are proven at securing and maintaining company facility security clearances and in advising compliance regarding the National Security Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).