Sydney K. Brooks

Sydney K. Brooks is a plaintiff’s attorney who represents individuals and families after serious injuries and wrongful losses. She brings a strong foundation in courtroom advocacy and a client-first approach to every case. From the earliest investigation through negotiation or trial, Sydney focuses on earning trust and developing strategies that reflect both the law and the human stakes at the heart of every dispute. At William & Mary Law School, Sydney distinguished herself as both a high-level competitor and a careful legal writer. She served as the Chief Counsel/President of the William & Mary National Trial Team. As part of the team, she secured back-to-back championships at the prestigious Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County Trial Competition “Gourley” in 2024 and 2025. She also earned awards such as Best Oral Advocate and Best Cross-Examination, reflecting her command of witness control and the ability to surface critical facts under pressure. At the same time, Sydney served as a Notes Editor for the William & Mary Law Review, one of the nation’s most respected legal journals. Together, these experiences reinforced Sydney’s belief that successful litigation depends on both courtroom skill and meticulous written advocacy—because cases are often shaped, and sometimes won, through motions and briefs long before trial begins. Her leadership extended to student organizations, including the Women’s Law Society, the Plaintiff’s Law Society, and the First-Generation Student Alliance, reflecting her commitment to strengthening professional community and opportunities within the legal field. Sydney’s professional identity is rooted in trial advocacy. In 2025, she was inducted into The Order of Barristers, a national honor recognizing graduates who demonstrate outstanding excellence in courtroom advocacy, professionalism, and service to trial programs. She also received the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA) Trial Advocacy Award, reflecting her effectiveness as a persuasive advocate and her commitment to representing people thoughtfully and ethically. Teaching and mentorship remain central to Sydney’s life. She is currently the Head Coach of the William & Mary Undergraduate Mock Trial Team, training students in case theory, examination techniques, and evidentiary arguments. Coaching keeps her connected to the fundamentals of great trial work and allows her to support developing advocates, strengthening the trial community that helped shape her. Outside the office, Sydney is an enthusiastic Busch Gardens devotee and has been a proud member since first moving to Virginia. Sydney and her husband, Tayleb, have enjoyed making Virginia their home together and spending time with their two cats. Whether she is preparing a case, coaching student advocates, or spending a weekend at the park, Sydney brings the same curiosity, resilience, and people-first mindset to everything she does.