Sidnee McDonald

Associate

Pittsburgh

(412) 620-6588

(412) 275-2390

Recent News:

Sidnee McDonald Named Among the Top 40 Under 40 by The National Black Lawyers

The National Black Lawyers named Sidnee McDonald among the top 40 under 40.

Sidnee advises employers on a wide range of complex labor and employment matters. She has significant experience handling responses to EEOC complaints alleging discrimination and regularly leads internal investigations, conducts witness interviews, drafts position statements, and responds to discovery requests. Sidnee also works closely with in-house counsel to support fact-finding and develop case strategy. Her efforts often result in a favorable "no probable cause" finding in resolved matters.

Sidnee frequently counsels clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and provides guidance on workplace policies, including reviewing and editing employee handbooks. Her advisory work includes matters involving grooming and hairstyle policies, as well as medical and recreational cannabis use.

Sidnee also supports the firm's railway clients in response to workplace safety matters and responds to grievance claims filed by railroad union members.

In recognition of her professional achievements in the legal field, Sidnee was named to the Pittsburgh Business Times 2025 "30 Under 30" and the National Black Lawyers "Top 40 Under 40." She serves on the Young Professionals Advisory Board of the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC), where she was honored as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. She also mentors aspiring attorneys through Pursuing the Esquire and the Penn State Law Minority Mentor Program. An active member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Sidnee holds multiple leadership roles within the organization. In both 2024 and 2025, she was chosen as a fellow of the National Employment Law Council Academy.

While in law school, Sidnee held several leadership roles, including chair of the Executive Board of Moot Court. Her leadership was recognized with multiple honors, including the Penn State Law Leadership Award and the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA) Officer of the Year Award.

Prior to law school, Sidnee earned both her bachelor's degree and master's in public administration SUNY Brockport. While completing her graduate studies,  Sidnee served as a graduate urban fellow with the Mayor's Office in Rochester, New York, and as a graduate intern for the New York State Assembly Majority Leader.

News

Sidnee McDonald Named Among the Top 40 Under 40 by The National Black Lawyers

April 24, 2025

The National Black Lawyers named Sidnee McDonald among the top 40 under 40.

Silvia Chicas and Sidnee McDonald Selected to be Class of 2025 NELC Academy Fellows

March 24, 2025

For the second consecutive year, Silvia Chicas and Sidnee McDonald have earned the prestigious honor of being selected as fellows of the National Employment Law Council (NELC) Academy.

Sidnee McDonald Named to the Pittsburgh Business Times 2025 30 Under 30 List

February 04, 2025

Sidnee McDonald, an associate in Cozen O'Connor's Labor and Employment Department, has been named to the Pittsburgh Business Times 2025 30 Under 30 list.

Sidnee McDonald Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year by Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition

December 19, 2024

Sidnee McDonald, an associate in Cozen O'Connor's Labor and Employment Department, has been named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year by the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC) at its Annual Members Meeting.

Silvia Chicas and Sidnee McDonald Selected as Class of 2024 NELC Academy Fellows

April 30, 2024

Silvia Chicas and Sidnee McDonald have been selected by the National Employment Law Council (NELC) as Class of 2024 NELC Academy fellows.

Sidnee McDonald Named to the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition Young Professionals Advisory Board

December 01, 2023

Sidnee McDonald, an associate in the firm’s Labor & Employment Department, has been named to the Young Professionals Advisory Board of the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC) and will serve as the Penn State Law liaison.

Publications

The Revocation of Executive Order 11246 – What It Means for Federal Contractors [Alert]

January 23, 2025

Peter Ennis, Eric Leonard, and Sidnee McDonald discuss the impact revoking EO 11246 might have on federal contractors and what federal contracts can do now to avoid potential liability.

Industry Sectors

Education

  • The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Law, J.D., 2022
  • SUNY–Brockport, M.P.A., 2019
  • SUNY–Brockport, B.S., 2017

Awards & Honors

Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition, 2024 Volunteer of the Year

Pittsburgh Business Times 2025 30 Under 30

The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40

  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court -- Western District of Pennsylvania

Allegheny County Bar Association, Gala Ad Hoc Committee Member

Allegheny County Bar Association, Homer S. Brown Division’s Council Member

National Employment Law Council, Academy Fellow (2024-2025)

Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition, Young Professionals Advisory Board Member

Pursuing the Esquire Mentor

Penn State Law Minority Mentor Program