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An Interview with Sophia Schick, Foreign Law Intern

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This week’s interview is with Sophia Schick.  Sophia is spending time working for the Law Library this summer as an intern in the Global Legal Research Center. In addition to the valuable contribution she is making, Sophia brings tremendous enthusiasm to her work.

Describe your background. 

I grew up in Meersburg, a small town of five  thousand inhabitants, located at Lake Constance  in Southern Germany. Meersburg is known as a historical place because the German poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff , lived and created her poetry at the old castle of Meersburg.  Lake Constance is the third biggest lake in Europe and is close to the Alps, Austria and Switzerland. In 2009 I left Meersburg and moved to the charming university town of Tübingen as a student.Sophia Schick facing the camera, with bookshelves to the left in the background.

What is your academic/professional history?

I am currently enrolled in a five-year state examination program in law at the University of Tübingen and I expect to graduate in September 2014. This year I started specializing in competition, antitrust and intellectual property law.  Last March, I participated in the 5th International Roman Law Moot Court in Greece in which eight European universities competed.  When I return to Germany at the end of September, I will be a member of the team that represents the University of Tübingen at the Willem C. VIS International Arbitration Moot Court 2012/2013.  The internship at the Law Library of Congress is my first internship during my law school curriculum.  After graduation I would like to begin a LL.M. Program but for now I am taking everything step by step.

How would you describe your job to other people?

The job at the Law Library is a good one; the atmosphere is pleasant and the staff is very friendly.  In my internship I assist Dr. Edith Palmer in responding to German law research requests. I search for relevant sources and draft legal reports. This is an interesting job as I have to look into different legal issues with which I am unfamiliar. That’s why I enjoy working at the Law Library of Congress. 

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

I just wanted to think outside the box. Doing legal research for the U.S. Congress and being introduced to the American legal system is a chance I don’t want to miss and a challenge I want to accept. Working for the Law Library of Congress is an honor and a great experience for me. I have learned a great deal about foreign and comparative Law, and I have also upgraded my knowledge in German Law and improved my English skills. I think this internship is of great benefit to me and my future goals.

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

The fact so many foreign Legal Specialists from all over the world are working for the Law Library of Congress was most surprising to me. It was interesting to learn that comparative and foreign law research play an important role in legislative, judicial, governmental and academic work in the U.S. as well as in other countries. On a personal note, I also want to acknowledge that all the professionals with whom I interacted at the Law Library were very kind and supportive and treated me as a peer.

I was very impressed with the law collections of the Library of Congress.  I did not expect to find so many German law books and periodicals.  I even found a book that my Professor just published.  I was also impressed by the collections on American law, particularly that all decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court are collected in reporters and available to anyone.

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

The first thing I am going to do when returning back home is saddle the horse. My passion is horseback riding. Having grown up in the Lake Constance region I really love galloping over large fields just enjoying the nature – it is an amazing feeling.

Comments

  1. we were excited having to read your interview.We are so delighted to read about your positive impressions
    and experiences at the Law Library.Certainly
    you gain knowledge for your further life.
    We wish,you take just good memories of your internship at the L.L.C.

    We love you,
    your parents

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