Sydne French

Protecting Your Future.

With You Every Step of the Way.

Passionate. Dedicated. Tough.
Why I do what I do.

There’s truly nothing like the feeling of winning a case and seeing a client reunited with their family and loved ones.

It’s an amazing experience! I can still recall one client calling me late at night after they were released from jail. The first thing they said when I answered the phone was, “Guess where I am?!”

Moments like that remind me why my work is a passion, not just a job.

Experience
Background

Sydne has successfully defended hundreds of clients facing all types of criminal charges at all stages of a case. She has earned a solid reputation for winning and is known for negotiating significantly reduced charges, penalties, and dismissals while defending her clients.  Check out her unique background and clinical psychology experience that sets her apart from all other criminal defense attorneys!

As a criminal defense attorney with a background (both academic and clinical experience) in clinical psychology, Sydne has an edge over other criminal defense attorneys. She has experience administering diagnostic psychological evaluations and she has written full diagnostic reports with comprehensive treatment recommendations.  Over the years, Sydne has consulted and worked closely with qualified mental health providers who specialize in complex mental health disorders that are often misdiagnosed or missed altogether.

Sydne’s uses her clinical skills to identify the root cause of behavior in order to help her clients beat revocations and criminal charges, and avoid lengthy sentences.  She is known by judges, prosecutors, and probation agents for her creative and  persuasive negotiation proposals, sentencing memorandums, and alternatives-to-revocation (ATRs).

Published Work
French, S. (2002). Psychopathic traits among preadolescent girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Assessing form, severity, prevalence, and correlates. Berkeley Scientific Journal, 6, 43–49.

Institute of Human Development – Social Behavior ADHD Research Project
Administered diagnostic psychological and neuro-psychological clinical assessments to 10- to 17-year old girls with (and without) ADHD.  Advocated on behalf of learning disabled adolescents during official 504 Individual Education Program (IEP) eligibility hearings and program implementation meetings. Prepared comprehensive clinical diagnostic assessment reports for families of learning disabled adolescents. Provided periodic training of graduate student laboratory members on administration of clinical assessments.

Family Violence Project
Assisted with the counseling of victims of domestic abuse on their legal rights and options.  Worked with Family Violence Project staff advocates, Assistant District Attorneys, and interdepartmental personnel (e.g., Domestic Violence Response Unit, San Francisco Police Department) to develop an understanding the psychology of victims and those accused of domestic violence/abuse
.

 

  • Winner of the Baldwin Award for Excellence in Criminal Law
  • AVVO Featured Criminal Defense Attorney, Rated Excellent
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Graduated magna cum laude (a.k.a. High Distinction)
  • High Honors, Clinical Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology Distinguished Services Award
  • Psi Chi National Honor Society
  • Golden Key National Honor Society
  • J&M Davidson Scholarship
  • Albert Job Scholarship
  • Monroe Deutsche Scholarship

University of Wisconsin Law School
Juris Doctor of Law (J.D.)

University of California, Berkely
Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology (B.A.)

Attorney French is admitted to practice law in the state of Wisconsin and is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar. She is licensed to represent people in all Wisconsin State Circuit Courts, the U.S. District Court – Western District of Wisconsin, and the U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Wisconsin.


Sydne’s work in criminal law is as compelling as her speaking engagements on the subject. She has been invited to speak at such notable organizations as the University of Wisconsin Law School’s Remington Center, and the Madison Civics Club, where she was chosen as the Public Affairs Speaker and Committee Member for the 2005-2006 Program, “The Courage of Their Convictions: One Who Risks Makes a Difference.”

A&E Network

Panel Speaker, Screening of “Facing Life: The Retrial
of Evan Zimmerman”

Innocence Project

Panel Speaker, New Student Orientation (filmed by A&E
Network)

Frank J. Remington Center

Panel Speaker, New Student Orientation