Cozen O’Connor

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE GROUP

Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group (IRG) helps educational institutions, corporations, hospitals, religious organizations, and nonprofits navigate sensitive and high-stakes matters involving misconduct, safety, compliance, and institutional governance. The group provides strategic guidance across investigations, policy development, regulatory compliance, training, and institutional response, helping organizations develop fair, effective, and trauma-informed processes.

As an Institutional Response Coordinator, I support attorneys and project teams throughout the lifecycle of client matters, from research and initial review through analysis and final deliverables. My work includes analyzing incident and computer-aided dispatch records, reviewing and quality-controlling large datasets, proofreading and revising investigative reports and memoranda, reviewing Annual Security Reports and Clery-related materials, and managing complex case documentation. I also develop client-facing presentations, conduct research and analysis, provide recommendations, and coordinate across project teams to ensure work is accurate, organized, and completed efficiently.

What We Do

  • Developing, reviewing, and strengthening institutional policies to align with legal requirements, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices.

  • Helping institutions design effective systems, procedures, and response protocols that promote consistency, accountability, and effective decision-making.

  • Providing fair, impartial, and thorough investigative and hearing services for sensitive and complex allegations of misconduct.

  • Developing and delivering training programs that equip institutional leaders, employees, and community members to understand their responsibilities and effectively respond to misconduct and compliance concerns.

  • Guiding institutions through complex regulatory requirements, including Title IX, the Clery Act, child protection laws, and other federal and state compliance obligations.

  • Helping institutions navigate matters involving concurrent institutional and criminal investigations while facilitating appropriate coordination with law enforcement.

  • Providing strategic counsel to institutional leaders as they navigate sensitive incidents, compliance obligations, risk, and complex decision-making.

  • Advising institutions on governance structures, policies, and decision-making processes to strengthen accountability and institutional effectiveness.

  • Helping institutions communicate and engage thoughtfully with students, employees, families, stakeholders, and broader communities during sensitive or high-profile matters.

  • Contributing experience and subject-matter knowledge to initiatives that strengthen institutional practices, advance education, and promote safer and more equitable communities.