We are pleased to introduce you to ‘Our Champions,’ a series revealing the people and stories behind Fredrikson’s support of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Each edition spotlights a team member or group making an impact—showcasing their reasons for serving our community and applauding their efforts in Special Olympics’ Inclusion Revolution.
Meet Trysten Cisney, an associate at Fredrikson, and Katy Drahos, Director of Pro Bono & Community Service at Fredrikson.
This cross-functional partnership between Trysten and Katy has been pivotal in helping make Fredrikson's support of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games possible. As a summer associate, Trysten was invited by shareholder Travis Anderson to assist in reviewing a commercial agreement for the 2026 USA Games. That work quickly evolved into more substantive drafting, review and advising as a pro bono intern. As demand increased, Trysten lead the effort in connecting the right attorneys across the firm with the right opportunities.
As the scope expanded, Katy and the pro bono team helped to scale the effort, and the firm's attorneys and staff across all levels and disciplines were willing and ready to join the cause. “Everyone is enthusiastic about contributing,” Trysten said. “You make a few calls, send a few emails, and suddenly you have the right expert ready to help.” Katy describes it as the heart of the firm being rooted in inclusion and service.
The legal work itself has included exciting variety, sometimes niche and always varied. Trysten says it has been rewarding to work with the 2026 USA Games team, and to associates considering pro bono work, he says "you’ll be surprised at how much you can move the ball, learning a ton and helping good people in the process," and that "growth happens when you're a bit uncomfortable." Trysten drafted dozens of high-profile agreements, led efforts concerning fortune 50 companies, consulted on board matters and coordinated with numerous specialist colleagues.
As the Games approach, both Katy and Trysten are proud of the firm's contributions and ready to see everything come to life. Seeing Fredrikson listed among the Platinum Sponsors recently, Katy said, was a reminder of the outstanding work being done at the firm. “We are a fraction of the size... but we’ve been able to make an outsized impact.”
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