William Frey served as a Major in the United States Army during a significant global conflict, reflecting his commitment to public service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona, establishing a strong educational foundation. Frey transitioned between private legal practice and public service roles, including serving as an assistant state attorney general and a judge in Pima County. His judicial career culminated in a federal judicial appointment, confirmed by the United States Senate, where he served until his untimely death.

William Frey's career juxtaposes a military background with a judicial career, hinting at a principled yet adaptable approach to governance. His service in World War II and subsequent legal career suggest a strategic focus on stability and order, yet his judicial appointments under President Nixon reveal a calculated alignment with federal authority. Frey's career lacks visible ideological rigidity, instead showing a pattern of pragmatic engagement with both state and federal systems. This blend of military discipline and judicial pragmatism raises questions about how he balances authority with flexibility in his governance style.