Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: If a federal employee who has worked for the government for over 20 years loses his or her security clearance and is forced to leave the position, will the employee lose his or her FERS or CSRS annuity? A: No, not necessarily. The only basis for a federal employee to lose an annuity is a conviction for crimes related to treason, espionage or sabotage. The simple loss of a clearance,…