The United States government has multiple employment opportunities throughout Los Angeles, California, which require security clearances. In addition to government positions there are many corporations with open positions requiring security clearance, such as, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, So Cal Edison, SAIC as well as multiple state positions that also require different levels of security clearances. At Perry Draper Law, PLLC, we can assist you through the security clearance process.

Beyond government positions, however, more corporations have increased their security clearance requirements, determined to give access to their proprietary information to individuals that they are confident in and have a background that makes them trustworthy.

Our skilled and experienced staff can work with you throughout the legal process, allowing you to gain the security clearance needed to work in the Los Angeles area. For many individuals, part of their employment conditions is making sure that they maintain their security clearance on an annual basis. If you need assistance getting your initial security clearance for your new position or need to renew your security clearance to maintain your employment or to continue offering your services and products at a government or corporate location, then contact us today.

What is Security Clearance?

According to the U.S. State Department, security clearance gives you eligibility to access classified information but is only granted to those who have an appropriate personnel background investigation completed. If this type of background check is going to be completed for the corporate sector, it will be just as thoroughly done, but will also include any areas that are specific to the company’s criteria.

How Does the Process Work?

You will receive a conditional offer of employment and at that point, a Standard Form 86, which is a Questionnaire for National Security Positions, along with any other required forms will need to be completed. Those forms become the basis of the security package and the investigation into your background will begin. Getting a skilled Los Angeles Security Clearance lawyer can ensure your package is submitted complete.

Does My Security Clearance have to be Updated Annually?

Security clearances are subject to periodic re-investigation every 5 years. It is up to the personnel in charge of Human Resources whether they have a timeline on annual or periodic reapplication requirement or if they just perform periodic random re-investigation. If you are required to reapply both the employer and the Office of Personnel Security and Suitability notifies the individual when it is time for their re-investigation. The individual will submit an updated security package and another background investigation will be conducted. The investigation will cover key aspects of the individual’s life, but will not start over from the beginning and instead will continue from the last investigation completed.

What Happens if I Get Promoted or Change Companies?

A determination of eligibility to maintain your clearance from one position to another is dependent upon the employer and their policies. Under normal circumstances such acceptance of information is a discretionary security decision based on judgments by appropriately trained personnel. In some instances access to classified information will be terminated when an individual no longer has need for access or is terminated from their position and could require re-application after expiration, removal or change in responsibilities of access of information.

We can assist you throughout the process of responding to the SOR and requesting an appeal for further review.