She has over 40 years of experience working as a legal assistant and paralegal. Patti has provided support for partners and associates at international law firms, as well as small to mid-sized firms. Patti obtained her certification as a Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) by NALS in 1997. This certification is now known as a Certified Legal Professional. Similar to the continuing legal education requirements set by the State Bar of Texas for attorneys, NALS certification holders are required to obtain a minimum of 15 hours of CLE per year or 75 hours in a five-year period of time. Patti continuously exceeds the minimum of 15 CLE hours per year. Patti is a member of NALS, the Texas Association of Legal Professionals, as well as the Austin Legal Professionals Association, and is a Past President of both the Texas and Austin associations. She is also a member of the Austin Bar Association. Patti is a person qualified by training and work experience to perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which her lawyers are responsible. At Cain & Skarnulis, Patti’s support is provided to partners Blair Dancy and Zach Bowman.