Today’s interview is with Catharina Schmidt, a foreign law intern working with me on research related to the laws of Germany and other German-speaking jurisdictions at the Global Legal Research Directorate, Law Library of Congress. Describe your background.
I am originally from Germany and grew up with my younger sister in the city of Darmstadt, which is located near Frankfurt.
Catharina Schmidt. Photo by Jenny Gesley.
What is your academic/professional history?
I studied law at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, with a focus on regulatory law. After graduating from law school, I worked as a research assistant for a professor with a background in monetary and financial law. In addition, I gained work experience at an international law firm in Frankfurt.
I am currently finishing my two-year practical legal training. Before I came to the Law Library of Congress, this postgraduate legal training gave me the opportunity to clerk for a civil law judge at the District Court of Darmstadt and work for the Public Prosecutor’s office as well as the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Frankfurt.
How would you describe your job to other people?
As a foreign law intern with the Global Legal Research Directorate, I assist Jenny Gesley, a foreign law specialist, in answering requests from Congress, executive agencies, courts, and the general public on the laws of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the European Union. I also contribute articles on recent legal developments in these jurisdictions to the Law Library’s Global Legal Monitor and to this blog.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
I cannot imagine a better place to do legal research. The Law Library of Congress is a unique institution which provides a vast collection of books covering various jurisdictions from all over the world. Furthermore, it offers the great opportunity to meet experts who have first-hand knowledge of different legal systems.
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
I have learned several interesting facts about the Law Library of Congress, but the tunnels connecting the different buildings of the Library and Congress instantly fascinated me.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I really enjoy cooking. I have a huge collection of cooking magazines and cook books from different countries.
