Receiving a Statement of Reasons (SOR) can be one of the most stressful moments in your career. It means your security clearance is at risk, and you have only a short window to respond. An attorney can review the allegations, gather evidence, and craft a persuasive defense that gives you the best chance to keep your clearance.
Your clearance isn’t just a credential—it’s often the key to your job, future opportunities, and professional reputation. While you have the right to respond on your own, hiring an attorney with experience in federal security clearance matters can make all the difference. At Solomon Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve helped employees and contractors protect their careers by building strong, persuasive responses to the SOR from the start.
Understanding the Statement of Reasons
The SOR is the government’s formal explanation of why your clearance is at risk. It outlines specific concerns, supported by facts and evidence, that the agency believes could make you ineligible.
Common issues include:
- Significant debt or a pattern of late payments
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Allegations of dishonesty or misconduct
- Security violations or mishandling classified material
- Concerns about foreign influence or preference
Once issued, the SOR starts the countdown. You must address each concern in your written response; anything left unanswered could be treated as an admission.
The Risks of Handling an SOR Alone
Some clearance holders prepare their own responses to save time or money. Unfortunately, small mistakes can have lasting consequences:
- Missing deadlines – Late submissions are often rejected outright.
- Incomplete responses – Failing to address every allegation weakens your case.
- Weak evidence – Simply denying an allegation without proof rarely works.
- Overlooking mitigating factors – Many clearance decisions turn on these details.
The government’s legal team will be well-prepared. If your response misses key points or lacks structure, your chances of keeping your clearance drop significantly.
How an Attorney Can Help
Responding to an SOR is about building a persuasive, evidence-based case. An attorney can:
- Review the SOR line by line – Identify inaccuracies and gaps.
- Gather and organize evidence – Ensure the right documents are included and presented effectively.
- Draft a compelling written response – Address each allegation directly and persuasively.
- Highlight mitigating factors – Connect your circumstances to the adjudicative guidelines decision-makers use.
- Request and prepare for a hearing – If needed, represent you before an administrative judge or panel.
- Plan for long-term clearance eligibility – Position you for future applications or reinstatement.
With professional guidance, your response becomes a strategic defense of your career.
Why Early Involvement Matters
Some people wait until after an initial rejection to hire an attorney. By then, the chance to make a strong first impression is gone. Early involvement allows your attorney to:
- Shape the narrative before it’s fixed in the record
- Identify and correct errors in the SOR
- Prevent damaging admissions
- Meet all procedural requirements
A rushed or incomplete first attempt is difficult to fix later.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Not every attorney is equipped for federal security clearance matters. Look for someone who:
- Has experience with security clearance cases and the SOR process
- Understands the adjudicative guidelines
- Communicates clearly and promptly
- Can represent you in both the written and hearing stages
How We Help at Solomon Law Firm, PLLC
At Solomon Law Firm, PLLC, we provide detailed, strategic support for employees and contractors responding to a Statement of Reasons. Our team:
- Reviews every allegation and piece of evidence
- Helps gather and organize documentation
- Crafts persuasive written responses
- Represents clients in hearings before administrative judges or panels
Because clearance issues can overlap with workplace disputes, we also handle related federal employment law matters. Our work in security clearance cases protects both your current job and your long-term career.
The Bottom Line
The Statement of Reasons is not a formality—it’s your opportunity to defend your clearance before it’s taken away. Responding on your own can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities to present your strongest case. With an attorney guiding the process, you gain the strategy and advocacy needed for the best chance of success.
If you’ve received an SOR, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Solomon Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your clearance and your career.