Describe your background
I am from Germany and grew up in a town called Passau which is located on the outskirts of the Bavarian Forest and is characterized by its university and student life. In 2008, I moved to the German capital Berlin and went to law school at the historic Humboldt University.
What is your academic/professional history?
After I completed my first two years of law school in Berlin, I spent a year abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, where I studied Irish and European law. Back at Humboldt University, I focused my studies on intellectual property law, in particular trademark, patent, and copyright law. I am currently finishing my two year postgraduate judicial service in Berlin. Before I came to the Law Library, this postgraduate training allowed me to clerk at the District Court of Berlin and work for the Public Prosecutor’s office as well as the research services of the German Bundestag (parliament).
How would you describe your job to other people?
Working at the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress is a great experience and offers a variety of valuable new insights. Conducting legal research on all German-speaking jurisdictions gives me the unique opportunity to get know the legal systems of Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein which were largely unfamiliar to me before. I get the chance to write about current legal topics for the Law Library blog In Custodia Legis, for example the legal issues surrounding Brexit and anti-doping rules. The Law Library of Congress is also the perfect workplace to enhance my legal research skills.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
I am fascinated by the unique role of the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library and the way it provides research on foreign jurisdictions from all around the world. The close connection to current political issues when providing research for the U.S. Congress is especially appealing.
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
I learned about the Indigenous Law Portal, a project of the Law Library that classifies and provides access to American indigenous legal materials.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I enjoy skiing and try to go on skiing trips at least once a year.