Ms. Hankins joined the firm after graduating from the George Mason University School of Law.  Ms. Hankins’ legal education focused on communications and business law.  While at Mason, Ms. Hankins also served as Managing Editor for the prestigious Journal of Law, Economics & Policy.
 
In conjunction with her legal education, Ms. Hankins worked as research assistant on behalf of Dr. Clay Thomas Whitehead. In 1970, Whitehead helped create the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP).  Through this relationship, Ms. Hankins researched the history of the telecommunications industry, focusing on federal policies, legislation and judicial actions. 

Ms. Hankins also completed several internships which expanded her foundation in the communications industry.  In Sprint-Nextel’s Office of Privacy, Ms. Hankins worked as a legal analyst, researching and drafting memoranda addressing consumer privacy rights with respect to telecommunications carriers and Internet providers.  At Sprint-Nextel, Ms. Hankins developed a strong understanding of state and federal telemarketing statutes after creating comprehensive guidelines for telemarketing compliance.

Ms. Hankins further enhanced her knowledge as a law clerk with Freedom Technologies, a boutique telecommunications consulting firm where she examined global trends in the development and diffusion of broadband wireless, communication failures in the wake of natural disasters, global satellite communication systems, FCC rule flexibility and auction rules, Universal Service Fund rules, and the taxation of telecommunications services.

Prior to attending George Mason, Ms. Hankins received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, double majoring in Economics and French.