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An Interview with Lucy Jones, Foreign Law Intern

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This week’s interview is with Lucy Jones, a foreign law intern working this summer in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.

A headshot of Lucy Jones standing in front of a large globe.
Lucy Jones, photo by Donna Sokol

Describe your background

I am from a small village (Coolagown) in Cork, Ireland. I have just graduated with my undergraduate law degree (BCLI) from  University College Cork. During my studies I spent one year studying abroad in Philadelphia at Temple Beasley School of Law. My primary interest is international law. Last summer I interned for the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and this April I competed as a member of the Irish team at the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition.

I am currently part of the 2015 class of the Washington Ireland Program. This program identifies 30 individuals from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain who have demonstrated a passion for both service and leadership. The Washington Ireland Program aspires to strengthen the values, skills and networks of emerging leaders who are committed to a peaceful Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

This September I will begin studying towards an LL.M at the London School of Economics. Following my studies I will begin work with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, a multinational law firm headquartered in London.

How would you describe your job to other people?

The Law Library of Congress provides research on foreign, comparative, international, and U.S. law in response to requests from Congress, executive agencies, federal courts and the general public. As an intern in one of the two foreign, comparative, and international law divisions I am called upon to research certain requested legal topics in my assigned jurisdictions. I am also asked to attend congressional hearings of interest and report back to my supervisors on the content of these hearings. I write for the Global Legal Monitor and hope to contribute to this blog. My job is challenging and interesting. No two days are the same!

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

As there’s really no better place in the world to do legal research! The Law Library of Congress has the largest collection of law books in the world and wonderful expert staff. I knew that interning here would give me access to unrivaled resources. I had hoped to use this summer to hone my research and writing skills. The Law Library has given me this opportunity.

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

Viewing the closed stacks in the sub-basement was fascinating. Much of the Law Library’s vast collection is housed in the Madison Building’s sub-basement stacks, which are equivalent to one and a half football fields in length. Walking through the seemingly never-ending stacks highlighted for me the extent of resources available.

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

I love horses! I have two horses at home in Ireland who I miss very much. When I get the chance I love to show jump.

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