A client just had restored his access to classified information, nine months after consulting me and three years and one month after being told by the Government that he had an issue. (I had advised “do this” and report it, and helped with his response.) It was long to wait, but I am happy for his outcome. A second client periodically contacts me when back from overseas: His clearances (at DOHA and DOD) and suitability (via Diplomatic Security) determinations were favorably adjudicated. I can report more about other clients but stop now and step onto a soap box.
Transparent and straight forward adjudications float my boat. In contrast, on very rare occasion I believe that individuals abuse their authority. I am not writing about the issue seen in the news. I am writing about a specific Command, and a separate agency; I am writing about whistle blower clients with whom I am working now. Personnel security requires excellent people and that we trust the process. For example, I spoke this week with an agency head of physical security who reflects, as an individual (I have known him a long time) and as an professional such excellence and trust. The Department of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) is another example: It is composed of outstanding, dedicated personnel, including its head of Department Counsel (they represent the Government at hearings). I have represented adjudicators and security personnel: I was very impressed with each one, as an employee but also as a human being. It is extremely disappointing when this excellence is not seen and this trust is abused. Off the soap box.
You know where to report such wrong doing. It varies by agency and whether you work in the intelligence community. If you do not know, ask someone or ask me.
William Aramony, Law Offices 