The attorneys at Berry and Berry, PLLC are experienced in security clearance law and are here to advise and assist you. We are members of the Security Clearance Lawyers Association. We have represented hundreds of individuals in security clearance matters, providing legal advice, and representation during the hearing and appeals process. Our attorneys are:
John V. Berry, Esq.
Mr. Berry, founding partner in Berry & Berry, PLLC has been representing security clearance clients since 1999 nationwide. He has represented security clearance applicants and holders before practically every federal agency, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State and intelligence agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Geospatial Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the National Security Agency (NSA).
Mr. Berry is licensed in the District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Virginia, State of Maryland, State of New York and the State of Michigan. Mr. Berry represents security clearance clients nationwide before the various federal agencies that adjudicate security clearances. He is also the author of the Security Clearance Blog. Mr. Berry teaches continuing legal education classes involving security clearance issues to other attorneys. He has been interviewed by CNN, ABC and other networks, in addition to being published by a number of newspapers, including the Washington Post and others on his views regarding security clearances. Mr. Berry’s Twitter Account, discussing security clearance issues, can be found here.
Kimberly H. Berry, Esq.
Ms. Berry, a partner in Berry & Berry, PLLC, focuses on security clearance issues as they impact private sector employees in their employment. She has been practicing law since 1998. Her practice focuses on the impact of security clearance issues in the context of severance agreements, separation agreements, and at-will employment. She has advised and represented numerous private sector employees on the impact of separation agreements in the context of security clearance issues. Ms. Berry is licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia, State of Massachusetts and the State of Maine.
Melissa L. Watkins, Esq.
Ms. Watkins’ federal practice focuses on cases before various administrative agencies as well as security clearance cases before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA), DCSA Consolidated Adjudications Services (DOD) and other federal agencies involving security clearance matters. Ms. Watkins has represented numerous clients before the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency and other Intelligence Community agencies.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Watkins worked as an attorney advisor for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, the appellate division of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. During law school, Ms. Watkins worked as a legal intern with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, providing legal support to DOJ attorneys on a variety of cases involving matters such as correctional law and litigation, civil rights disputes, mental health hearings, and FTCA claims.
Prior to her legal training, Ms. Watkins obtained her undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University where she double majored in History and Political Science. While attending Wake Forest, Ms. Watkins also participated as a member of the University’s Equestrian Team. Ms. Watkins is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and before federal agencies nationwide.
Kara G. Osborne, Esq.
Ms. Osborne’s practice includes the representation of security clearance clients before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA), DCSA), a number of intelligence agencies (IC) and other federal agencies. Ms. Osborne specializes in security clearance issues and other federal sector matters.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Osborne worked as a law clerk at Osborne Law Offices, P.C. representing the interests of labor unions and individual employees. During law school, Ms. Osborne worked as the legal intern for the Pittsburgh Pirates where she assisted In-House Counsel review contracts for stadium events and team support, front office operations, and day-to-day baseball operations. Additionally, Ms. Osborne worked as an intern in The House of Representatives for Congressman Tim Ryan and his legislative staff where she helped perform research for the introduction of Bills to the House floor.
Ms. Osborne is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and before federal agencies nationwide.
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