Summer Experience: Lilly Freemyer ’28L This summer, Lilly Freemyer interned for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty.

Lilly Freemyer ’28L

Lilly Freemyer ‘28L is a second-year law student and is originally from Washington, D.C. She is an active member of the W&L community, serving as a Junior Editor for the German Law Journal and Marketing Chair for the Washington & Lee Federalist Society. Following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Lilly lived in Washington, D.C., where she worked for a public relations and public affairs firm. This past summer she interned for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty. Next summer, she will be a summer associate at Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer, LLP.

What did you do for work this summer?

I was a legal intern for FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty. During my twelve weeks with Commissioner Trusty’s office, I drafted Open Meeting Statements on items before the commission, prepared briefing documents for meetings with foreign ministers and conducted research on key telecommunications policy issues.

How did you find this position?

When I started my 1L year, I already had a strong interest in telecommunications law and a goal of interning at the FCC. I pursued opportunities across different FCC Bureaus and in the offices of other Commissioners, while also reaching out to my existing contacts in DC to learn more about opportunities in this area of the law. Along the way, I spoke with several telecommunications attorneys who offered valuable advice and guidance throughout the process. Those conversations and connections ultimately helped me secure my internship in Commissioner Trusty’s office.

Describe your work experience.

My interest in telecommunications law is rooted in a desire to help close the digital divide between rural and urban communities. During my freshman year at UW-Madison, I interned for State Representative Travis Tranel, where I spoke with constituents about their lack of access to broadband internet. I also saw this issue firsthand through my own family, as my grandparents lived on a farm in rural Illinois throughout my childhood and never had access to the internet. These experiences sparked my interest in broadband policy and ultimately led me to pursue an internship at the FCC.

One of the most surprising parts of my experience was learning just how many different policy areas FCC regulations can affect. Beyond telecommunications, I saw how the Commission’s work intersects with national security, health care, education, and international relations.

Lilly Freemyer with Commissioner Trusty

What were some skills you developed this summer?

This summer, I strengthened my writing skills, particularly in explaining complex legal and policy issues in a clear and straightforward way. I had the opportunity to apply these skills when drafting open meeting statements for the Commissioner, where it was important to communicate complicated issues in a way that was accessible to the public.

I also learned how to navigate the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) and the FCC Electronic Management Document System (EDOCS) to find comments from stakeholders and actions by the FCC. I used this information to provide Commissioner Trusty with a comprehensive understanding of how stakeholders were responding to a proposed rule.

What was your favorite aspect of this summer work experience?

My favorite part of the summer was the opportunity to meet with stakeholders from across the industry, including rural groups, space companies, radio companies, phone and internet providers, and trade associations. These meetings allowed me to hear directly from the people and organizations affected by the FCC’s regulations and better understand how the Commission’s decisions impact different parts of the industry.

Has this experience helped you figure out post graduate plans, and if so, how?

This experience certainly affirmed my passion for telecommunications law, and I hope to continue to pursue this passion after graduation. Next summer I will be a summer associate with Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer, LLP, where I will continue to work on telecommunications law issues.

How do you think this experience will shape the rest of your time at W&L law?

I am looking forward to taking Administrative Law next semester to deepen my understanding of regulatory law and expand my knowledge of this area of the law.