Catheryn “Cat” Sarno serves as Paralegal to Attorney Dalton J. Smith, bringing decades of professional experience, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to client service.
A Lima, Ohio native, she graduated high school early and left home at 17 to begin a 36-year chapter in Florida. During that time, she built a diverse career with Fortune 500 companies including Disney World, Tech Data Corporation, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bristol Myers Squibb/Linvatec, and IBM Global Services. She also spent time with Carnival Cruise Line and, as a fun note, appeared as an extra on Miami Vice.
She earned her degree from St. Petersburg College and later completed Paralegal Studies certification through the University of Miami. Her introduction to the legal field came through a close circle of friends in Tampa that included judges, attorneys, and court reporters. What began as informal conversations about cases soon developed into a genuine passion for the law.
In 2016, she returned to Lima after meeting her infant great-niece and choosing to become more present in her life. That child is now a teenager, taller than her godmother, and remains one of the greatest joys in her life.
For nearly two years, she has worked closely with Attorney Dalton J. Smith assisting with litigation, discovery, legal research, case development, evictions, and client communication. She especially enjoys discovery work and uncovering the details that help shape and strengthen a case. She values collaboration and takes pride in helping build clear, effective legal strategies.
Clients know her as responsive, dependable, and attentive. She believes that effective representation begins with listening—helping clients sort through complex facts and emotions so they can focus on what matters most.
Outside the office, she serves as a Eucharistic Minister in local nursing homes, founded her neighborhood association, and is active in community improvement efforts. She is an avid reader, budding bird watcher, enthusiastic bocce ball player, and self-described terrible golfer. Though naturally introverted, she enjoys quiet moments, good conversation, a glass of wine on the patio, and time with family.
She hopes clients feel heard, supported, and confident that their case is being handled with care, diligence, and purpose. For her, legal work is ultimately about helping people find clarity and direction during difficult moments.
