1-877-581-3396
Submitted by Bradford W. Botes, Sr. - Wednesday, October 29, 2025
For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of practicing law alongside my partner and friend, Ron Sykstus. Over that time, I’ve witnessed his extraordinary dedication to clients facing some of the most high-stakes legal issues imaginable: protecting their U.S. security clearances (confidential, secret, top-secret, TS-SCI, TS-SAP and TS with a polygraph) —and with them, their careers and livelihoods.
Ron’s work in this area extends across the country and internationally, as individuals with U.S. security clearances are often based overseas. Whether assisting military personnel, federal employees, or civilian contractors, Ron brings deep experience, strategic insight, and a steady hand to every case.
Unmatched Experience and Strategic Insight
Ron’s background as a former Army JAG attorney gives him rare insight into how security clearance matters are evaluated. Over the course of his career, he has successfully represented hundreds of clients facing clearance challenges involving Secret, Top Secret, and SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) designations.
Financial concerns are one of the most common reasons clearances are delayed or denied. Ron’s extensive experience in consumer bankruptcy and financial law allows him to help clients address these issues proactively and effectively.
His work includes assisting clients at every stage of the process, including:
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Initial security clearance applications and help with answering problematic SF 86 questions and interrogatories issued by the government
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Responses to Statements of Reasons (SORs)
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DOHA hearings
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Reinstatement and appeals
A Reputation Built on Trust
For many people, a security clearance isn’t just a credential—it’s the foundation of their career. Ron understands that reality deeply and approaches each case with the seriousness, preparation, and personal attention it deserves.
Many of Ron’s clients have described their experience in similar terms:
“Ron guided me through the clearance process step by step. He understood what was at stake for my career and my family. I truly felt like I had someone in my corner who understood both the legal and personal side of what I was going through.”
“Ron Sykstus is a professional and caring attorney. My process of appeal took close to three years from start to finish and during the entire time Ron Sykstus was helpful and attentive to my needs. Due to distance, I was unable to visit with Attorney Sykstus in-person so all of our case communication and preparations were conducted either by phone or email. Even though our communication means where limited to email or phone by no means subtracted from his exemplary service. Ron displayed expert knowledge of the security clearance revocation process and presented me with a specific plan of attack he thought would be successful. As I stated before this process took close to three years so I was surprised that he kept in touch with me over the long waiting period. It showed me he truly cared about me and my situation and I was not just another case file. In preparation for my hearing, Ron coordinated with me and my witnesses and prepared them for the final hearing before the Administrative Law Judge. At this time he had a torn rotator cuff but it did not deter him from advocating on my behalf. Ron appeared at my final hearing with his arm in a sling, giving the argument of my life and we WON. He won my case and I am now back to work at full duty capacity. Attorney Ron Sykstus is a great attorney and I would recommend him to anyone with a security clearance issue.”
“As soon as my wife received her Statement of Reasons explaining that her clearance re-investigation was being denied based on guideline F, I began performing an extensive amount of research on who to hire to represent her. I talked to at least 10 other offices before getting a chance to speak with Ron. I knew immediately that he was who we would be hiring. He is very clear and concise from the beginning but also seemed to be way more knowledgeable and reassuring than any of the others. He performed as he said he would throughout the entire process. He was able to get the hearing canceled and have her clearance granted a week before the hearing was to take place and we couldn’t be any happier.”
That trust is a big part of why Ron has earned a national reputation as a leading security clearance attorney.
Learn More Through His Security Clearance Blog Series
Ron has authored numerous blog posts on security clearance law—including practical tips, case insights, and guidance for individuals facing financial or personal issues that may impact their eligibility. You can find his articles on the Bond & Botes Blog.
These resources offer a valuable starting point for anyone seeking to better understand how the clearance process works and how to respond when challenges arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Clearances
Q: Why can financial issues affect my security clearance?
A: Financial difficulties can be viewed as potential vulnerabilities. Ron helps clients address and resolve these issues to reduce or eliminate clearance concerns.
Q: Can I challenge a security clearance denial or revocation?
A: Yes. You have the right to respond to a Statement of Reasons and to request a hearing. Ron has extensive experience representing clients in these proceedings and securing successful outcomes.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a security clearance issue?
A: While not legally required, working with an attorney who understands both security clearance law and financial issues can make a critical difference in protecting your career. As Ron explains to prospective clients, the earlier he is involved, the better chance of clearance success before any up-front mistakes are made.
Q: Can Ron assist clients located outside the United States?
A: Yes. Many individuals with U.S. security clearances are stationed or employed overseas, and Ron regularly assists clients throughout the United States and internationally. In fact, he just finished successfully helping 2 clients in Germany and 1 in Poland.
A Trusted Advocate for National Security Professionals
Ron’s work has helped countless individuals protect their clearances, their livelihoods, and their peace of mind. If your clearance is at risk—or if you need guidance navigating the process—you could not have a more experienced and trusted advocate at your side.
To learn more or schedule a confidential consultation, visit Bond & Botes Law Offices or call 877-581-3396.
Contact Us
📞 Phone: 877-581-3396
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🌐 Website: https://www.bondnbotes.com
This post is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. To discuss your specific situation, we encourage you to schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney.
