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An Interview with Ricardo Wicker, Foreign Law Intern

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Today’s interview is with Ricardo Wicker, a foreign law intern currently working with Nicolas Boring on research related to the laws of France and other French-speaking jurisdictions.

Describe your background.

Ricardo Wicker standing in front of a large globe.
Photograph by Nicolas Boring.

I am a law student at the University of Montreal, where I am pursuing a combined a degree from the LL.B./J.D. program. During my training, I have acquired solid foundations in both the civil and common law traditions, which compose Canada’s bijural legal system and are the two major legal traditions across the world. I am interested in foreign, comparative, administrative, and communications law.

My previous academic experience comprises three master’s degrees: library and information science, communication, and philosophy. I have served as a librarian and resources specialist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, legal researcher for several organizations, legal aid clinic intern, and I also worked for two major telecommunication companies: AT&T and Orange (formerly France Télécom). I am fluent in English, French, and Spanish.

How would you describe your job to other people?

I collaborate with a team of twenty-five lawyers who provide authoritative research to the U.S. Congress, U.S. Federal Courts, Executive Agencies, and to the public. In particular, I conduct legal research in my assigned jurisdictions, which comprise France and other French speaking countries. As part of my duties, I provide legal briefs and advise on the most recent legal developments in my assigned jurisdictions.

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

It is an amazing opportunity to apply my training and experience in both law and librarianship. Providing reference services at the world’s largest law library, while learning from highly qualified lawyers from around the globe, allows me to develop skills that will ensure my success as a lawyer and law librarian. Working here is also a great opportunity to network with lawyers and staff at the Library of Congress and in the D.C. Metropolitan Area.

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

That it is the world’s largest law library. Its collection includes nearly three million volumes and one of the world’s finest rare law book collections. The Library’s collection of foreign legal gazettes is also very impressive and useful for the kind of work we do.

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

I am a marathon runner. I recently achieved a personal best at the Bay of Fundy International Marathon, which goes from Lubec, Maine to Campobello Island, New Brunswick and back. I’ve completed four marathons, and it is a sport that I am passionate about. I find that running is a good complement for the sedentary life associated with studying and doing legal research.

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