Ms. Syra received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M University in 1978. In 1989, Ms. Syra received her juris doctorate from the University Of New Mexico School Of Law, graduating magna cum laude and awarded membership in the Order of the Coif.

Following law school, Ms. Syra served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Richard Ransom of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Ms. Syra was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in September of 1989, joined Allen, Shepherd, Lewis & Syra, P.A. as an associate in May of 1990, and in July, 1997 became a shareholder of the firm.

Since joining the firm, Ms. Syra's practice has been concentrated in workers' compensation, appeals, and general liability. She has conducted many seminars on the interrelationship of ADA, FMLA, worker's compensation and employment law, and has litigated these issues.

Ms. Syra is a member of the New Mexico Bar Association and the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Association. She is admitted to practice in state and federal district courts and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.