Reviews

Very professional

Brian was of great help and was willing to listen and give advice in my initial conversation about my case. I am a novice to the security clearance process and he recommended further employment lawyer referrals to get more information on my case. I would use his services if I ever come across another security clearance procedure prior to proceeding as I see it’s essential.

Andrew Bakaj has been always helpful in terms of completing my SF-86 for re-investigation due to a record found in JPAS. He was thorough and understanding of my situation in which helped re grant my security clearance. His judgement was phenomenal and I would strongly encourage anyone who needs help with their re-investigation case to go to him.

"A denial is not the end...we can fight, you can win" is exactly how it went down. My case seemed impossible but I just received confirmation that my TWIC is approved after a denial. Thank you Brett O'Brien now I can continue to work to take care of my family.

I was in a bad predicament as my clearance was going to be revoked by DODCAF due to an incident that occurred over a year prior. While my agency did not want to fire me, they also had no positions for anyone without a clearance. I was looking at potentially being unemployed at age 60, and without a security clearance all of my past experience would be worthless. While looking on the internet, I saw an ad for Compass Rose. I read the reviews, and decided to send an email. Andrew Bakaj called me, and we discussed my case. He presented me a plan for a path ahead. I retained his services, and implemented his plan of action. And I am glad I did, as I just received notification from my CSM that my clearance was favorably adjudicated, and I am now good to go. Needless to say, I am elated. I definitely chose the correct legal firm, and lawyer. I am pleased and satisfied with his professional assistance in this matter. His demeanor when we spoke via phone and email was always both truthful, and reassuring. I really appreciated the strategy to resolve this issue immediately without having to proceed to the ultimate/last step, it proved to be effective. Both my wife and I are very thankful to Andrew for this positive outcome. He has my strongest recommendation if you find yourself in need of legal assistance with Clearance related issues.

After finding myself in a bit of a bind, I was introduced to Lev Iwashko, as a possible attorney. From the beginning he exuded competence and wisdom in the direction he believed my defense should take. I have (regrettably) had several attorneys over the years and thus have experience with this and others to compare him to. The best aspects of Mr. Iwashko’s work can be summed up with just three words: Efficiency, Availability, and Strategy. Efficiency was the first thing I noticed with him. While he in no way cut any corners, nor did he waste any effort attempting hopeless motions or a multitude of random legal motions and maneuvers which would have not been a part of a master plan, and would also have been billable. Mr Iwashko was very up front about both the reality of my situation, and the best course of action to take. Availability was another aspect of Mr. Iwashko’s practice. He was always there in my times of need. It did not take days to get a response, even if I just needed to have my nerves put at ease, or I had a new idea to run by him. I was never left “out in the rain,” to worry on my own. I have had other attorneys in the past that would only contact me the day before a court appearance. It was a stress reducing aspect of Mr. Iwashko’s personality to truly care about both me and my plight. Strategy was another welcome change. Mr. Iwashko reviewed my entire case at the beginning and spent time looking at all the possible ways to construct a defense for me. When we next met, he told me all the possibilities, their likelihood of success, and TOGETHER we decided which path to take. I never once felt talked down to or had any lack of understanding of the process as Mr Iwashko took the time to explain every little thing I did I not understand. These three aspects alone should quality Mr Iwashko into the lawyers hall of fame (is there such a thing?). While dealing with the court system could never be called stress free, Mr Iwashko is a magician at reducing the stress and turmoil of the process. P.S. While his name is spelled Iwashko, the correct pronunciation is “I-vash-ko.” P.S.S. HIRE THIS MAN!!!! I cannot stress that enough.

Brett's firm was professional and provided prompt, efficient service. Highly recommend! He helped me get my Global Entry.

I was denied TWIC aggravated assault with a weapon from a dwi with my vehicle. My entire life revolved around the twic card. I contacted Mr brett o brien and he hit a home run and i got my Twic card. I cant say enough besides how well he put together my case. Very helpful and honest would recommend him to anyone who get denied a TWIC.

Mr. Andrew was recommended by a colleague. After retaining him, he was able to assist me with a security clearance matter and achieved great results we won! Throughout the process Mr. Andrew provided clear expectations and great support. He is very knowledgeable and he is a winner, I would give Mr. Andrew the highest recommendation possible!

I needed some leagal advice and direction due to an employment issue. I was not able to hire Mr. Bakaj, however, he was super helpful. He directed me in what to be prepared for, followed up with me knowing I could not afford his service, and gave me what advice he could to prepare for this event. If I could hire him, I definitely would have and if I ever need to hire an lawyer for anything that falls into his wheelhouse, I defintiely would turn to him first. He was very knowledgable.

My clearance situation was among the most dire of any cases of any I read. Andrew has genuinely tried and true framework to peel back the layers of the process, and ensure you provide all the information needed to mitigate concerns you ability to secure nation secrets. When you hire Adam, you can rest assured that your money was spent on the finest representation possible. There may be cheaper options, but being frugal with protecting of your professional lively is an unacceptable risk. Hire the best and not the cheapest.

I contacted Andrew seeking representation to formally respond to a Department or Navy Letter of Intent to revoke my security clearance. We quickly established a meeting to go over the particulars of my situation; he was attentive and sympathetic. After contemplating our initial I decided to move forward in hiring him to assist me in crafting my response. During this stressful process, we kept in routine contact and he was patient with my questions and provided -looking back on it - an honest appraisal of my chances of success (ie the things I had done that were favorable to my situation and things I may have neglected). At his suggestion, when I otherwise would not have, went to a psychiatrist to acquire a current assessment of my capacity to hold a clearance. This proved to be a wise suggestion. Lastly, as the due date for my response drew near, he worked tirelessly to collate more than 15 character references, medical records, and my person testament to DoNCAF. The end product was extremely clean and required very few revisions. All in all, I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision to hire Andrew to support me. Going through this process was a very stressful time for my family and me. Andrew was a level headed arbiter that helped me balance logic (knowing that I had truly changed as a person) with emotion (knowing that my past would have consequences). My family and I are forever grateful for the legal services Andrew provided.