After graduating in 1987 from the University of Toledo College of Law, where she served as Student Articles Editor for the University of Toledo Law Review, Patricia opened her own practice, principally devoted to helping clients facing separation, divorce and other family crises. While New York State imposes no licensing or educational requirements on "mediators", Patricia is not only a licensed and experienced New York State attorney, but she has also received mediation and collaborative law training from both Columbia University and The Center for Mediation in Law in New York City.In addition, Patricia is a former Co-Chair of the Suffolk County Bar Association's Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, and an active member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, the Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York (FDMCGNY), the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA), the Association for Conflict Resolution - Greater New York Chapter (ACRGNY), the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM) and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). Patricia is also a Co-Founder and participating attorney member of the COLLABORATIVE LAW ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC., (CLANY), the first collaborative law practice group of its kind in Suffolk County. CLANY, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to promoting collaborative dispute resolution as a method for helping couples separate or divorce with greater respect, less cost, increased privacy and skilled legal representation, all without either party ever stepping foot in court.