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I am an non-trad (read: old) student who is considering a PT JD programs in the DC area.

One of the many matters I am trying to get sorted is what role would I like to work in during my years as a PT law student, a major factor in this decision is how much value would there be in keeping security clearances active. For my line of work, it does not seem to be much of a problem to find work that would keep the clearance in use and active, but it might mean having a longer commute between work/school/home in a schedule that is likely going to be stretched rather thin.

you can keep it inactive for 2 years before you need a full re-investigation, so just keep that in mind.

fatduck wrote:you can keep it inactive for 2 years before you need a full re-investigation, so just keep that in mind.

Assuming that you are within the time frame for re-investigation (7 years from last investigation for secret, 5 for TS if memory serves). Otherwise you will need a sponsor for the renewal of your investigation.

haus wrote:

fatduck wrote:you can keep it inactive for 2 years before you need a full re-investigation, so just keep that in mind.

Assuming that you are within the time frame for re-investigation (7 years from last investigation for secret, 5 for TS if memory serves). Otherwise you will need a sponsor for the renewal of your investigation.

i think secret is 10, but yes, this would have to be true as well.

Anyone able comment on OP's question about the value of have either a secret or top-secret clearance?

Depends on what OP wants to do after graduation.

Not being a lawyer or for that matter even a law student at this time, I do not have much insight to how having a clearance would impact employment options directly in the legal field.

In the IT industry, it is a nice added feather, especially if you are interested (or at least willing) to work for contracting firms that support DoD/Civilian Government contracts, or would like to work directly for the government in areas that sensitive data may be part of the picture.

Given that the OP mentioned DC, I would state that clearance has a better chance of being a factor in the DC area then in other parts of the country given the proximity to Intelligence agencies, DoD and other bulk employers. I do not know how traditional law firms may interact with such matters, but I suspect that in-house lawyers for defense contractors and the like may find themselves in positions where having a clearance would be required. Although I do not know what level of interest such groups would have in students fresh out of law school.

maybe the OP could land a summer internship that would require a security clearance. that could help extend his grace period?