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An Interview with Julia Heron, Foreign Law Intern

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This week’s interview is with Julia Heron, one of our summer interns in the Global Legal Directorate.  You may already know Julia from a post she co-authored for In Custodia Legis, “National Holiday of Quebec: An Introduction to Quebec Dual Legal System.”

Describe your background.

Julia Heron standing by the globe outside the Law Library's reading room.
Photo by Donna Sokol.

I was born and raised in Montreal. I recently completed the second year of my LL.B. at the University of Montreal. I’m interested in all fields of law, particularly contracts, constitutional, and health law. In the course of my studies I have participated in a summer study abroad program at Sciences Po in Aix-en-Provence. In my second year, I interned in a Montreal hospital researching patients’ rights and healthcare laws. I also joined the faculty’s mentorship program, a service that teaches students effective study methods and stress management. Next year, I will be assuming the role of head mentor and leading the program.

How would you describe your job to other people?

I am working under the supervision of Tariq Ahmad, a legal analyst specializing in matters concerning Canadian law. I research various aspects of Canadian law in order to answer public requests and compose brief summaries on the current state of law in my jurisdiction. I also stay apprised in recent developments of Canadian law in order to write articles for the Global Legal Monitor, an online Law Library publication on legal developments around the world. I have also contributed to In Custodia Legis and intend to apply my knowledge of Canadian law and my research skills to any project I am called to work on.

Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

I was immediately drawn to the prospect of having access to the Library’s resources to perform research and answer questions on Canadian legal matters. The Law Library provides informative, complete and accessible legal information to the U.S. Congress and government branches, as well as to the public. I wanted to contribute my Canadian perspective and legal background to the team of foreign legal experts from around the globe. I also have to mention the added attraction of living in Washington, D.C. and working in the center of so many influential institutions and historical landmarks.

What is the most interesting fact you’ve learned about the Library?

Just how impressive the Law Library’s collection is! You don’t realize the magnitude of the collection until you’re lost in the sub-basement trying to find a book. If it weren’t for the help of the librarians, I would still be wandering through the stacks.

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

My mother is from France and my father is from Ontario, a mainly English speaking province in Canada. Consequently, I grew up in a bilingual home, where we speak a mix of both English and French. To this day, I don’t have a clear answer on what my first language is.

Comments

  1. Such a nice photograph.

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