Practicing law is a second career for Cynthia K. Shanklin. She is also a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She attended Odessa College in Odessa, Texas and obtained an A.A.S degree in Respiratory Care. She practiced mostly in San Angelo, Texas at Shannon Medical Center. She also had the pleasure of teaching Respiratory Care for three years in San Angelo, Texas at Howard College. Her position at the college was Director of Clinical Education.

Ms. Shanklin decided on a career change when her daughters were in junior high school. She was always interested in the legal field so she attended Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas to obtain a B.S. degree. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1995 and started law school that fall. She attended Baylor University School of Law in Waco, Texas and worked at Providence Hospital. She graduated from Baylor in February 1998 and began practicing law in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

For ten years, Ms. Shanklin defended health care providers in medical malpractice cases and employers in personal injury lawsuits. For three years she served on the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program committee of the State Bar of Texas.

Recently, Ms. Shanklin joined Doli Gagnon and Jack Peacock as partners in their law firm. Ms. Shanklin still practices medical malpractice and personal injury. She is married to John Fink and lives in Waxahachie, Texas. Together, they have four grown daughters and two grandchildren.