Mark Francis Riley’s Reviews

Unfortunately (for me) I brought Mark Riley a difficult case. Fortunately (for me) he knew just what to do. Mark knew the governing laws and policies and immediately formulated a strategy for helping me resolve my clearance issues. Mark provided outstanding advice throughout the entire process. As a result, my clearance issues were resolved and we won my case! What more could you ask?
We all hope that we will never need an attorney; but when the time comes, and you need good counsel, you would do well to talk with Mark Riley.

Mark helped me regain my Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance by researching, writing and putting together a 100+ page rebuttal to a DoD agency suspension action. My clearance had been suspended due to the improper possession and use of a personal thumb drive in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility. This incident occurred during the height of the Army private Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks scandal and my chances for getting my clearance back were slim to none. Mark believed in me and proved to the decision authority that my infraction was due to negligence and that I did not pose a risk to national security. To my great surprise the decision authority agreed with Mark and my clearance was reinstated. I'm completely convinced that Mark is the only lawyer that had the knowledge and perseverance to help me recover from this very difficult situation. He’s not cheap, but the phrase “you get what you pay for” definitely applies to him. I would strongly recommend retaining Mark’s services for any client with a security clearance issue.

Choosing Mr. Riley to represent me was a good decision. The claims against me were very painful, but Mr. Riley’s guidance helped me navigate the process. I believe Mr. Riley’s priorities, as patriot and professional are in proper order; he only took my case after becoming convinced that it was in our country’s best interest. His contacts in the IC and knowledge of the process were essential to my positive outcome.

There are only a handful of lawyers in the country that competently specialize in government clearance advocacy. I learned this when I received a letter from the government stating that they were going to recommend that I be denied for my clearance. When I reached out to my general legal network Mark Riley's name was given to me as "if anyone can help you, it's Mark." Mark did in fact help me avoid significant impact to my livelihood as a passionate advocate for my case. He knew the intricacies of the Federal regulations, he used expert witness testimony, and he expertly articulated a defensible position. Mark’s execution of strategy for my case resulted in me avoiding having to go to the appeal board. Along the way Mark was well organized and kept me updated with the progress. Thank you Mark!

Mark took my security clearance case last year. The case was complicated and involved no less than seven different problems that had been flagged in the investigation. Mark, a retired Army officer, spent a lot of time getting to know and understand me and the issues involved before taking the case, and only agreed to represent me once convinced that it would appropriate to grant me a clearance.Throughout the process, Mark demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the law and administrative processes involved. Most important to me, at several junctures, we had serious discussions on points of principle, and he always respected my view of what would honestly reflect my views and values, even when the result could weaken my case. As a result, my filings gave what i believe to be an exceptionally honest appraisal of who I was, and allowed the government to make the most informed decision possible regarding my case. That decision proved to be positive, and has allowed me to continue serving my country.

Mark Riley got the job done - he was thorough and insightful. He is especially helpful in understanding the process of responding to challenges to security clearance retention - he brings many years of experience in military and security matters to bear with clear, cogent and complete response generation. Could not have done this (and prevailed) without Mark's help.

Mark Riley is outstanding in every aspect of the word. The bottom line is that he gets positive results even in the face of huge challenges faced in dealing with the US Intelligence Communities' clearance, access, and polygraph processes. In my case, he made sure that he took the time to listen and carefully compile my appeal so that it was successful at the first level without ever having to go through an appeal board. This alone saved me precious time and money that would have been lost in wages if I would have had to wait for a second level appeal. Specifically, Mark was extremely competent in logically presenting my case and then mitigating circumstances so as to affect a positive outcome to my appeal. Throughout the process, he instilled great confidence in me that my appeal was leading toward success and he also calmed my fears in dealing with the security bureaucracy. As my legal counsel, Mark provided answers to my numerous questions supported by facts as well as by key input from his vast experience in handling clearance/polygraph cases. His advice was always on target and I am glad that I followed his recommendations. Further, his empathetic nature and tenacity allowed me to know that I had made the right choice in selecting him to represent me. Sure, I could have tried to represent myself but I realize that I could not have done so with the same level of experience and knowledge about preparing a powerful and successful appeal. Mark impressed me with his ability to focus on the key matters affecting my case and his ability to identify important inconsistencies in the government’s logic for attempting to deny me access to classified information. I look at Mark as not only an eminently qualified lawyer, but also as a person who truly cares about people. Mark has my highest regard - he saved not only my career in support of the US intelligence community, but he also saved my honor and reputation. He provided hope when all seemed lost. If you need legal counsel to help with your appeal in a clearance or polygraph matter, go with Mark Riley and you will not be disappointed!

I called Mark Riley because I received a notice from the Central Clearance Facility advising me they intended to revoke my security clearance because they said I had mishandled classified material. My call to Mark Riley was the best decision I have ever made. Mr. Riley listened to my side of the story, answered all my concerns and agreed to represent me. The word Excellent is completely inadequate to describe the way Mr. Riley serviced me as his client. OUTSTANDING is a better term to describe how I would rate Mr. Riley in all dimensions of what I needed to resolve my problem. His knowledge and experience to navigate thru the complex matrix of National Security Laws, Rules and Practcies was instantly apparent and borne out by the favorable determination I received. He was always available to answers my questions or conerns and he worked hard and long, many times well after normal work hours to meet the tight strict deadlines. He exceeded my expectations in all regards of a professional client / attorney relationship. He always kept me advised of every step of the unique process and he took the time to thoroughly explain the terms, processes and how and why different options for me to consider. I was most impressed with Mr. Riley's ability to take a complex and confusing set of facts and circumstances and focus our response to get the favorable determination I needed. If I ever have need for an attorney in the future Mr. Riley will be my first and only choice. I highly recommend Mark Francis Riley as an outstandingly trustworthy, very responsive and highly knowlegeable attorney who will keep you fully informed during every aspect of your case.

I came to Mr. Riley with an issue that would affect my retaining a government security clearance. Mr. Riley has handled many of these cases, which was evident from the first time I sat down with him. His knowledge of the subject was is deep and the questions he asked very probing.

Personally and professionally I like Mr. Riley. He doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. He does not attempt to down play the importance of any aspect of the case, rather he puts everything in perspective. He is refreshingly honest and rather blunt. He knows the law governing security clearances, and he explains everything in common terms without a lot of jargon.

I would recommend Mr. Riley to anyone who is going through any litigation surrounding their government security clearance. I would go as far to say that if need an attorney in the future for other matters I will call Mr. Riley first.

I highly recommend Mr. Riley.

To Whom It May Concern:
Mr. Riley is extremely professional and knowledgable in the field of security clearance applications. He understands the procedures, language, and mindsets of the agencies involved, and he is able to contact the right people and navigate the system accordingly. My case was complicated, but Mr. Riley kept me well-informed, explaining what was happening and why and also provided reality-based appraisals of my status throughout the process. I honestly believe that I would not have been successful without his services.
Without reservation, I would recommend Mr. Riley to anyone dealing with government security clearance issues.

Mark Riley did outstanding work for me in resolving an issue surrounding my security clearance. The issue involved the technicalities of military law, which I don't really understand, but he does -- and extremely well.

He kept me informed every step of the way. He requested all of the information from government agencies that were necessary to provide a response to the security clearance inquiry.

Mr. Riley provided timely invoices that were detailed. He uses a trust account for the funds required for the case. His fees are reasonable.

His written response to the inquiry was well-reasoned, and very articulate and well thought out. It covered every aspect of the situation in detail.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the quality of his work, his overall knowledge of the military law field, and of course, the results -- the clearance was approved based on the work he accomplished.

I would recommend him to anyone that has any issue with military law or security clearances!!

Mr. Riley was the very definition of the consummate professional while handling my security clearance appeal. Mr. Riley has an expert knowledge of security clearance regulations and policy guidance along with solid, credible experience working with the assorted military service and government agency security departments.

Upon taking my case, he immediately took charge filing all the necessary paperwork and creating a very thorough “plan of attack.” Mr. Riley ensured our response addressed every possible concern the government might possibly have, specifically incorporating security adjudication guidelines. The outcome was a success and the government reversed its decision to revoke my security clearance.

Mr. Riley receives my highest recommendation.

Mark helped me resolve some issues that came out during a polygraph interview that prevented me from getting a clearance. He is very knowledgeable about the process and the people involved in clearance adjudication, especially at Fort Meade.

So, he put together a plan, called in some experts, prepared all the documentation for an appeal and was successful.

Mark really knows his stuff and knows what to do to get it done. If he thinks you were denied a clearance for something unfair, he will represent you. I spent a lot of money paying his fees and his expert's fees, but it was totally worth it!

Mr. Riley has proven to be knowledgeable attorney of the security clearance cases. After he examined my case, he gave me a reliable assessment of the negatives and positives issues we are up against. During the ordeal, his confidence has radiated to me and put me in ease. He has worked diligently and tirelessly throughout the process and it paid off. We have got a favorable judgment.

The bottom line I lived worry free during the process, because of Mr. Riley’s professionalism, diligence, and persistence. I lived happily afterward.

In 2006, I had some difficulty in obtaining a security clearance. On the recommendation of another lawyer (who apparently did not handle these types of cases), I consulted with Mark Riley. I immediately got the sense that he was very knowledgeable and competent. After the initial consultation, I knew he was the right choice to represent me. We went carefully through every detail, and he expertly guided me through the processes that were required for my case: Filing the correct documents, gathering the right information, notarization, etc. It was obvious that he was not leaving anything out or forgetting anything. Next, he prepared me for the upcoming hearing. He made himself available to practice going through everything, including "practice hearings" where he gave me a good idea of what to expect. On the day of the hearing, I was very prepared. He was obviously prepared, too, and he never faltered. I found that his improvisation when faced with unexpected questions (during the hearing) to be flawless as well. I have the impression that he is well known and well respected at least in this area of expertise. It is also worth noting that he keeps careful records and files of everything. Of course, anyone reading this entry probably wants to know the outcome of the hearing... The judge's findings were in my favor (that means I won!), and that is because I had a great lawyer.