equivalent to select forward

AE doesn't provide an auto feature to select layers forward or back in time relative to a distinct point in time. You can do so with KF selections (right-click on a KF to prompt a pop-up menu and commit to appropriate selection) but not layers.

Other than precomposing to reduce the number of layers within a comp, you will want to look at grouping layers based on their Label Colors, in the Timeline. You can create a shortcut to select layers with the same Label Color as well as shortcuts to create/apply Label Colors to selected layer(s). The Keyboard Shortcuts Visualizer (KSV) is where you create these shortcuts. In the KSV, search for Label to quickly view the Commands related to Label Colors. Then, create the shortcuts for these Commands.

You can also select (first layer) and then add SHIFT when clicking on the another layer, to select a contiguous group of layers. For non-contiguous layer selections, use the CTRL key while selecting additional/subsequent layers, after having selected the initial layer.
HTH

You need to use Precompositions in Ae, this is one of the best way you have to group your Layers making easy select it. Obviously the way to work it's different.