Sydney Smith Forquer
- Washington, DC
- ssforquer@cohenseglias.com
- 202.587.4747
- Served as external investigator in a Title IX matter involving faculty misconduct. Conducted interviews, gathered evidence, and prepared the final investigation report used by the institution in its decision-making process.
- Served as external Decision-Maker in a Title IX case involving student-on-student allegations of sexual harassment. Reviewed the full record, presided over the hearing, and issued a written determination.
- Served as Appeal Decision-Maker in a Title IX case involving an allegation of retaliation. Conducted a thorough review of the investigation materials, hearing record, and appeal submissions, and issued a written decision under the applicable standard of review.
- Assisted in defending a professional school student in a Title IX matter through the investigation and hearing process. Supported case development and hearing preparation, resulting in a finding of no responsibility.
- Contributed to informal resolution strategies in two Title IX cases involving graduate student respondents, helping negotiate agreements that avoided formal findings and disciplinary action.
- Supported the representation of a medical school student facing professionalism allegations and potential dismissal. Conducted witness interviews and helped prepare the client for faculty board proceedings.
- Assists in representing scientists and researchers in research misconduct proceedings involving allegations of plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data, including matters before the Office of Research Integrity.
Sydney helps individuals and companies navigate complex investigations brought by universities, state attorneys general, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other federal and state agencies. Her work also involves guiding clients through internal investigations, helping to evaluate potential wrongdoing, and developing solutions to remediate possible ethics and compliance violations.
As part of the firm’s Research Misconduct Group, Sydney represents scientists who have been accused of plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data in the context of scientific research supported by federal funds, and also assists universities and research institutions in conducting internal investigations and navigating compliance concerns.
Sydney is also an ATIXA-certified Level One Civil Rights Investigator experienced in navigating the Title IX process, including representing students and faculty in campus investigations and disciplinary proceedings, and conducting impartial investigations for colleges and universities. She regularly presents on Title IX developments and restorative practices at national and regional conferences, including programs for higher education professionals and Title IX administrators. Sydney is also a member of the team approved by a leading education-specific insurance company to conduct external investigations and has completed training in Restorative Justice Conferencing through the International Institute for Restorative Practices.
Sydney supports the White Collar Defense and False Claims Act practice groups, representing witnesses and whistleblowers in qui tam matters. She also defends clients against state and federal False Claims Act investigations, carefully responding to civil investigation demands and grand jury subpoenas, and advocating for clients’ many interests throughout the process.
Prior to joining Cohen Seglias, Sydney was the judicial law clerk to the Office of Judge-in-Chambers (JIC) of the D.C. Superior Court and was Editor-in-Chief of The George Washington International Law Review.
- The George Washington University Law School, J.D.
- University of Alabama, B.S., B.A.
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
