Andrew P Bakaj

A highly respected and professionally recognized attorney, Andrew Bakaj is a former intelligence officer and criminal investigator who brings a history of distinguished service to the firm. This experience enables the firm to represent individuals in adverse security clearance actions, whistleblower activities, employment matters (to include appearing the Merit Systems Protection Board), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) matters, and individuals, corporations, and organizations who are facing investigation. Notably, his background as a subject-matter expert in whistleblower reprisal investigations makes him uniquely qualified to represent individuals who have experienced retaliatory action as a result of lawfully engaging in protected activity—whistleblower reprisal—particularly when the action involves a security clearance. Moreover, he is a leading expert in security clearance matters. In his professional capacities, Andrew has advised and counseled numerous senior U.S. Government officials in a variety of legal and investigative areas.

Andrew has been lauded by colleagues and professional organizations alike. Notably, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” by his peers at the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association, and Washingtonian Magazine named him among Washington, DC’s top attorneys. Perhaps most unique is that Washingtonian named Andrew among “Washington’s 250 Most Influential People”, identifying him among “the 250 experts and advocates—outside the government—who’ll be shaping the policy debates of the years to come.”

In naming Washington’s Most Influential People, Washingtonian wrote:

“Policymaking changes as governments come in and out of power. But the bedrock underlying it—expertise that enables public service and good-faith debate and explains why idealists still come to Washington—remains. Here’s a look at who’s wielding that influence right now.”

This distinction directly corresponds with many of Andrew’s cases and his publicly-stated personal mission: that his work be timely, relevant, and have impact.

To that end, you have certainly seen his work as he has successfully represented clients in some of the nation’s highest profile matters. Andrew also lends his voice to addressing specific legal and policy issues when appropriate. As such, he has written numerous articles on security clearance issues, federal investigations, and whistleblower matters.

Previously, Andrew also served as Senior Investigator with the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General.  While with DoD, he led and managed global investigative operations involving time-sensitive and high profile investigations, many of which involved senior officials.  Further, Andrew developed a legal and investigative framework in conducting the Federal Government’s first investigations involving security clearance actions as a pretext for whistleblower reprisal.  This framework was ultimately used as the basis for oversight over such investigations to comply with a Presidential Executive Order.  Andrew's proven ability to conceptualize and illustrate the long-term impact of significant regulatory and policy initiatives has been invaluable to the senior officials whom he has advised.  As a result, the Department of Defense recognized Andrew by awarding him Investigator of the Year, Investigations of the Year, and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Career Achievement Award.

Prior to serving with CIA and DoD, Andrew practiced law in New Jersey and Washington, DC. Further, he has had numerous federal internships, which include serving with the State Department in Kyiv, Ukraine; as a law clerk with the Department of Justice; and serving three United States Senators.

Andrew's practice areas include:

Security Clearance and Polygraph

• SF-85 (Public Trust)/SF-86 (Security Clearance) Application Guidance
• Formal response to Denials, Suspensions of Access to Classified Information, and Revocation of Security Clearance (ie. formal response to the Statement of Reasons/Letter of Intent).
• Appeals before relevant Department or Agency Appeals Boards, such as at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA).

Whistleblower Representation & Federal Employment Law

• Including matters before the Merit Systems Protection Board and Appellate Courts
• EEOC

Criminal and Administrative Investigations

• Federal Criminal Investigations
• Federal Administrative Investigations
• Office of Inspector General Investigations
• Office of Professional Responsibility Investigations
• Congressional Ethics and Oversight Investigations
• Corporate Internal Investigations

Internal Investigations

Congressional Investigations

• Congressional Ethics and Oversight Investigations

Government & Media Relations

• Executive Branch
• Congress
  • Including Congressional Testimony

Freedom of Information Act and Pre-Publication Guidance

The Compass Rose Financial Debt Recovery Program