Basics of Security Clearances

A pre-recorded streaming VIDEO replay of the April 2026 webcast, Basics of Security Clearances.

Gain the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate security clearance denials and revocations for clients. Taught by an experienced practitioner, this program covers the full security clearance process from written responses to security clearance hearings, offers advocacy techniques and recent case trends, and provides the adjudicative guidelines that govern security clearance cases across the federal government. This session is especially helpful for attorneys representing federal employees, government contractors, and others whose careers depend on their clearance eligibility.

• How security clearance law began in the United States
• Current legal framework of security clearance law
• What is the security clearance process for applicants and current holders?
• How do security clearance concerns arise?
• The security clearance appeals response process
• How are security clearance appeals reviewed?
• What are the applicable security clearance guidelines?

John V. Berry, Berry & Berry, PLLC / Reston

John V. Berry is a partner with Berry & Berry, PLLC in Reston, Virginia. He has been representing security clearance clients since 1999. He has represented security clearance applicants and holders before practically every federal agency, including all of the intelligence agencies.

Mr. Berry represents security clearance clients nationwide. He has been interviewed by CNN, NBC, ABC, and other networks, in addition to being published by a number of newspapers, including The Washington Post, on his views regarding security clearances.

In addition to security clearance matters, Mr. Berry represents law enforcement officers and federal employees in various employment and civil matters. He previously served as general counsel to the Fraternal Order of Police/US Park Police and US Capitol Police unions.