An Interview with Ellen Cooper, Labor Relations Specialist

This week’s interview is with Ellen Cooper who is working in the Law Library for a couple of months as part of the Library of Congress Leadership Development Program.

Describe your background.

I was born in the Bronx and grew up in Yonkers, New York.  Although I’m a proud New Yorker, I’ve been enjoying living in the Washington, D.C. area since 2010.

What is your academic/professional history?

I started my college career at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.  I continued my undergraduate studies at Cornell University, where I graduated with a degree in industrial and labor relations.  I am also a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law.

During law school, I worked in a regional office of the New York State Attorney General, the Office of General Counsel for a Teacher’s Union, and as a research assistant for a law professor. In addition, I was an articles and notes editor for the American Bankruptcy Institute Law Review.  I am admitted to the New York State Bar. I moved to Washington, DC to work at the Library of Congress as a labor relations specialist.

How would you describe your job to other people?

As a labor relations specialist, my job is to provide advice and guidance to management concerning labor relations, ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements/statutes, interact with the Library’s labor organizations, and resolve grievances/unfair labor practice charges.

Currently, I am a fellow in the Library’s Leadership Development Program and very excited to work in the Law Library for two months.  During my time in the Law Library, I will be researching the foreign and international legal needs of the Executive Branch.

Why did you want to work in the Library of Congress?

It’s such a thrill to work in the greatest library in the world and help support the Library’s mission. I enjoy public service, learning, and history, so I can’t think of a better place to work.

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

Learning about the Law Library’s comprehensive collection. It was amazing to take a tour of the stacks and see some of the rare books in the collection.

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

I am an avid baseball fan, especially rooting for the Yankees and now the Nats.  My goal is to visit all the MLB ballparks.  I’ve been to 10 so far. Hopefully, I’ll add to the list this summer.