As a nationally recognized former federal prosecutor, Cynthia brings firsthand knowledge of government investigations to her clients.
Cynthia leads internal investigations and represents clients in complex government investigations. She regularly interacts and litigates with multiple agencies on behalf of clients, including the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, U.S. Homeland Security, EPA, DOL, IRS and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country.
Cynthia served as an assistant U.S. attorney for nearly a decade prior to private practice. During this time, she spearheaded a multiagency task force of more than 20 federal and state law enforcement agencies; and over 60 non-profit organizations. She directed investigations that took down criminal enterprises operating in the United States and overseas and was responsible for some of the largest and most complex investigations in Department of Justice history. The U.S. Department of Justice honored her as the Crime Victims’ Rights Act Champion in 2013 and the National Association of Former United States Attorney’s honored her with the Exceptional Service Award in 2011.
Cynthia represents public and private companies, educational institutions, healthcare entities, senior corporate executives and employees involved in government investigations, regulatory violations and compliance issues. This includes embezzlement, financial institution fraud, environmental violations, healthcare fraud, domestic and international tax controversies, and the False Claims Act/qui tam litigation. Cynthia regularly represents companies who are victims of embezzlement or breach of fiduciary duties. She conducts internal investigations and facilitates the related law enforcement investigation and prosecutions.
Cynthia also launched and directs the firm’s Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Clinic, the first and only clinic of its kind in the country. Cynthia supervises lawyers firm-wide in this unprecedented dedication of pro bono resources for victims of human trafficking. She serves as president of the firm’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Human Trafficking Rescue Assistance Fund. As a federal prosecutor, she prosecuted more human trafficking cases than any other Assistant U.S. Attorney in the country. Today, Cynthia also leads nuanced supply chain investigations and audits for corporate clients and handles anti-human trafficking compliance efforts on behalf of public and private companies.
Cynthia has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including being named Missouri’s Lawyer of the Year in 2014 by Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly, she was selected as one of Kansas City Business Magazine’s Most Influential Women, and she received the Judge Arnold Krekel Trailblazer Award by the Missouri Human Rights Commission in 2016. Cynthia is well known for her innovative work in the law, advocacy on behalf of crime victims and her clients rights, and her long standing relationship with the law enforcement community.