Overview
As the Nation prepares for a new government, preparation for the transition is underway. The transition will involve policy, government agencies, and personnel changes. The last of these is the most important for our clients who are interested in public service. Good-government organizations, such as the Presidential Transition Project of the Partnership for Public Service, have created resources as part of their commitment to promoting and encouraging government service. We have participated in training programs that will give an overview of the process and provide tips on next steps. You can access these programs here:
- Tips for Aspiring Political Appointees: Financial Disclosure, Taxes, and Conflicts of Interest
- Tips for Aspiring Political Appointees: Security Clearances and Background Investigations
- An Overview of Vetting Forms: What Aspiring Political Appointees Should Know
As veterans of several presidential transitions and of vice-presidential vetting efforts for one of the campaigns in 2008, and as counsel to individual clients of both parties who have served with distinction in many Executive Branch roles at all levels, we know that the benefits of preparing early are clear. For individuals who wish to serve in a new administration, it is necessary to prepare now. Those individuals should create a "shadow" vetting file, including paperwork (draft security clearance questionnaire, financial disclosure records, a completed questionnaire for the relevant Senate committee) and backup materials (tax returns, publications, campaign contributions) so that they are "ready to serve." A potential nominee or appointee who has been "pre-vetted" will always have an advantage as the transition begins operating in earnest over the next few weeks.
