By: Laura Phillips
I met Jessica Gyllstrom for the first time only last year, but she has been an FCBA member and communications law practitioner for some time. Jessica is currently a Member at Telecommunications Law Professionals PLLC (also known as TLP) in Washington, DC. She has been with TLP since 2011 when she started as an associate. Her areas of practice span a broad range of regulatory, policy and transactional telecommunications and media matters. Jessica represents mobile wireless carriers, Internet service providers, VoIP providers, broadcasters and tower companies before the FCC and other federal and state agencies. She advises wireless carriers on spectrum acquisition, compliance, licensing and policy matters, and her transactional work largely involves the drafting and negotiation of wireless purchase and lease agreements along with complex submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cable system arrangements, both within the United States and internationally. Jessica is a delightful companion and has many great stories; the challenge was deciding what to feature here!
Q. What attracted you to the field of communications?
A. Initially, the intersection of privacy and the Internet drew me into communications; specifically looking at what “privacy” actually meant on the Internet and how that would evolve as technology continued to progress. I was in law school right around the time that people started to “check in” to locations on Facebook. My peers were quick to check themselves (and all of their friends) into the 9:30 Club for instance – without second thought about the implications of that posting. I read the book “The Future of Reputation” by Daniel Solove which focused on the potential implications of how the Internet was transforming the idea of privacy – and that further lit the fire for me – I found it fascinating (and slightly terrifying) how this was all changing right in front of our eyes.
Around the same time, I was fortunate enough to join the technology law journal at Catholic University Columbus School of Law, which was known at the time as CommLaw Conspectus. This allowed me to examine these as well as other issues where the Internet was throwing the law for a loop, due in large part to the speed at which it was developing; a speed that far outpaced the legal process. For instance, I explored the application of the Fair Housing Act to roommate matching websites and relevant caselaw at the time, presenting my note on the subject to students and faculty at Catholic. I was also defending my arguments against questions from Donna Gregg – who many in this bar know well – and she was absolutely wonderful and supportive in this role, and really encouraged me to think outside the box. My experience with CommLaw Conspectus led me to pursue telecom internships while I was in law school, and I found I thrived in the ever-changing nature of this industry and the many options it presented.
Q. Tell us about the various places you’ve worked through the years.
A. My law school internships quite often focused on telecom. My first experience was a lot of fun; it was with Joe Sandri at FiberTower as a summer associate and I stayed on during the year as a law clerk. Joe would always make sure to take the time to provide background information for a novice like myself; he also allowed me to attend meetings and participate in rulemaking proceedings, which was invaluable experience at that point in my career. I also interned at the FCC in then-Commissioner Robert McDowell’s office during the time of his reconfirmation hearings, which provided unique insights into the political process along with the rest of the telecom-related experience (an added bonus really). In addition, I spent a semester clerking at DC Superior Court, which allowed me access to a variety of ongoing trials that I was able to observe and even advise on in some cases. Finally, I spent a year working at a music royalty organization on the Artist Relations side. During that time the organization was deeply involved in music royalty reform on the Hill, and I was able to see first-hand how this advocacy and lobbying worked behind the scenes. Post-grad, I worked with a small telecom firm in DC. From there I joined TLP.
Q. Have things unfolded in your career more or less the way you planned?
A. I’m not sure I had much of a concrete plan! I was never the type of person to say by age [X] I wanted to be [insert role]. Rather, I had certain goals and general ideas of the environment I wanted to be in. For instance, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I had wanted to be a lawyer since my 8th grade social studies teacher nicknamed me “lawyer girl” due to my tendency to ask questions – and I swear, it was a positive nickname! (Although, at that time, my idea of being a lawyer was basically imagining myself in every role on “The Practice.”). After undergrad, I was a legal assistant at a big international law firm and found I loved the fast-paced environment and knew I wanted to end up somewhere with similar energy – I like having a lot of things going on. I also knew I wanted to be working with a team of people that I enjoyed working with and respected. Finally, I wanted to be happy and have a work-life balance that allowed for me to also be a (future) active parent.
Now, looking back on that list, I do think I have been able to accomplish these goals. Never in a million years could I have imagined that I would join a small firm when it first opened its doors and get to experience what it means to start – and grow – a law firm. We have a strong group at TLP. I have never met smarter or more dedicated attorneys. And something that I’ve always respected, particularly due to the tone set by the firm management, was the dedication to work-life balance. Everyone works very hard, but we all still manage to have a life outside of work, whether it be in the role of a youth baseball coach, a college basketball fan that hardly misses a home game, an art collector, girl scout troop leaders, a casual Disney-fanatic, a health advocate, or Shakespeare enthusiast, everyone has their thing and they still get to be themselves (I’ll let you guess who everyone is…).
I will say that I never expected to be at one firm for so long. But TLP has not only provided me with experience and opportunities, but mentorship as well. The firm prioritizes investing in their younger attorneys. I’d single out Mike Lazarus as going above and beyond to play an important role in my professional development. He started as my boss and always was available for guidance and (constructive!) critique of my work. Not just the expected redlines, but also advice on business development and client relationships. Now, as my partner, I continue to value and seek his opinion on most things. I’ve also tried to emulate his mentorship with some of our younger attorneys and law clerks. And I will say, while I highlight Mike here, I also value the expertise and experience of the rest of my partners and colleagues – Carl Northrop, Dennis Corbett, Emily Daniels, Gregg Skall, Helen Disenhaus and Ashley Brydone-Jack, each of whom I work with on various matters.
Q. What’s the most interesting or challenging thing that you’ve done in your current position?
A. One matter that was both interesting and challenging was representing a consortium of public schools in an impoverished rural area of the country that severely lacked broadband services. For instance, during the height of the COVID pandemic they were unable to offer any virtual teacher direction due to the lack of broadband service in the area. They had dedicated staffers driving around (sometimes two hours away) to drop off homework packets. Prior to us engaging with them, they had applied for federal funding to help construct a network; as the incumbents in the area were not willing or able to build out due to a number of factors. That request for funding was rejected (although the basis of such rejection was unclear) and appealed. They came to us at that point for assistance with further appeals. They had a very good case and made strong efforts at demonstrating their need for this funding. And these people cared. They cared so much about their students and staff and were in it for the right reasons. They really were an inspiration and I feel fortunate that we were able to work together on this important issue, because closing the homework gap is critical. While I often have represented the provider side of things, this opportunity brought along a unique set of client interests and needs. At the same time, this was an incredibly challenging matter because there was also a great deal of political issues that, although were not specific to our situation, seemed to have a significant impact on the progress of their funding request. Navigating those considerations also required unique advocacy.
Q. Is or was there something interesting or someone who surprised or impressed you during your career and why?
A. How I ended up at TLP was pretty surprising! I was working at a small law firm and was focused on one particular area of telecom, so I was starting to look around for an opportunity that would provide me with a broader range of issues. At the same time, a younger classmate of mine was interning in Commissioner McDowell’s office and was trying to put together a database of former clerks with contact information of current positions. Since I knew I was likely in the process of transitioning, I kept putting off sharing my contact information. Then one day I received an email from Angela Giancarlo, who was one of my supervisors when I interned in Commissioner McDowell’s office, that flat out asked where I was working. So of course I responded, explaining that I was currently at a firm, but looking for a new position. She replied: “Great, send me your resume.” I did and was immediately contacted by Carl Northrop, a partner at a large international law firm, asking if I would come into the firm to interview for an associate position. I did my research on the firm and the public clients and filings – as one does – and arrived for my interview. Carl right away said something along the lines of, “So, my colleagues and I are leaving this firm and starting our own firm and we are looking for an associate.” My eyes probably got real wide as I was thinking to myself “did I just hear him correctly?” He went on to explain that a series of client conflicts had led them to this decision, which was with the full blessing and cooperation of the soon-to-be former firm. I then interviewed with Mike and Andy (Morentz – who has since moved to Singapore with his family) and got a call that afternoon from Carl asking me to join the team. And so, when the doors of TLP opened, I was the lone associate with the three partners. Being in this role at that time provided a unique opportunity that allowed me to get a taste of everything – while many of my classmates were in positions that included a large amount of doc review and sitting behind computer screens, I was sitting in client meetings, and directly conversing with clients, attending FCC ex partes, and writing – there was so much writing in the beginning and I do believe that in particular has led me to be a stronger writer today. So long story short – I basically owe this significant portion of my career to Angela; thank you!
Q. What do you enjoy reading?
A. I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm and have a habit of finding myself reading more than one book at a time and across all genres. I am currently reading Iron Flame, the second book in a new series by Rebecca Yarros, which is a mix of Hunger Games, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. I also really enjoy historical fiction. I loved the Outlander series and my mom gifted me the complete Tales of the City series by Armistead Maupin, which follows a group of friends in San Francisco starting in the 1970s and going through the 2000s. He actually just released a surprise tenth volume, so I am looking forward to reading that.
As for non-fiction, I enjoy reading biographies (mostly of musicians), but I am (also) currently reading the Malcolm Gladwell book “What the Dog Saw” which is a collection of his essays from the New Yorker, which has been fun and thought-provoking. I have also gotten into reading poetry and keep “What Kind of Woman” by Kate Baer on my nightstand and pick a few random poems to read now and then. This book is broken down into three parts each representing a pivotal role that a woman may find herself in throughout her life and I just absolutely love it. The writing is beautiful and relatable.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I did not mention that I am also working through the completeseries of the Berenstain Bears with my five-year old twins. I am excited to get started on reading some Roald Dahl with them next.
Q. Is there something (a hobby or other tidbit) people don’t know about you that you are willing to share?
A. I enjoy making analog collages out of recycled magazines and materials – so, using scissors and glue, rather than digital manipulation. I have incorporated my love of music into this as well, so each collage is tied to a particular song in an effort to create a sort of “mixtape” when viewed together. Collaging was an activity I enjoyed when I was younger, and I revisited it during the pandemic as a creative/artistic outlet. At that time, I started to participate virtually in various collage collectives that offered prompts to help inspire ideas – one may offer a monthly theme, while another provided a weekly picture to incorporate into your collage in some way. Most of this was/is disseminated through Instagram and I have enjoyed creating and sharing my collages along with seeing what others have created in these various groups.
Q. Can you share your perspective on the pitfalls to avoid or other career advice for those who are just getting started in the communications field?
A. Be open to trying new things. Part of the fun in communications is that there are just so many different areas that fall under this umbrella. For instance, when I first started practicing, wireless was my whole world – but my time at TLP has allowed for new opportunities and new areas to focus on – you will be constantly learning and things keep changing, and that’s a good thing. And it’s not just technology-based, in this field there’s opportunity for regulatory and/or transactional work, appellate work and mediation to name a few. Don’t hesitate to step outside of your comfort zone and don’t doubt yourself. This not only keeps things interesting but allows you to grow as well. Also, as you continue through your career, say yes to coffee or informational interview requests from those just getting started – even if you don’t have a position open. Help out those who are trying to launch their own path. Pay it forward.
And one more bit of advice: volunteer with the FCBA – particularly with the Charity Auction. I had some of my best experiences working with the Auction committee as a “Young Lawyer” and met many new faces at that time that I continue to see today!
Q. How has your life changed as a result of COVID-19 and what are you looking forward to doing next?
A. I had 18-month-old twins when COVID-19 began – we had just transitioned from a nanny to daycare and the daycare shut down like most things. We had to adjust – and fast – to having two young kids home all day that required constant supervision and juggling two full-time, and often demanding, careers. It was a blur to say the least. I feel very fortunate that we got through that and seem to be back to a more normal routine. I am looking forward to continuing to travel and making up for lost time. Next up is Taos, New Mexico!
Q. How long have you been an FCBA member, and what to you is the value of FCBA membership?
A. I have been an FCBA member since I joined TLP, and I think I may have even been a member since law school. We are so lucky to have this bar and community – based on what I hear from friends in other practice areas, this is not the norm. I enjoy attending the social events and find the CLE panels to often be timely and a much more interesting way to earn those credits than some of the other options out there (and to be honest I even attend when I don’t need the credit)! I think much of the value is in the people of the bar – it’s a really great way to get involved in this area and meet people across all sectors of the tech industry – particularly for a young attorney just starting out.