The following is an interview with Yichao Zhang, a foreign law intern at the Law Library of Congress.
Describe your background.
I was born in Changsha, a beautiful and energetic city located in the south central part of China. I received my bachelor of laws degree at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and my master of laws degree at Georgetown University Law Center. I specialized in Securities and Financial Regulation at Georgetown. Before I started my internship with the Law Library of Congress, I interned with law firms, corporations, courts, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
How would you describe your job to other people?
Under the direct supervision of the foreign law specialist covering China, I conduct legal research to answer questions related to Chinese law for the U.S. Congress, federal courts, executive branch agencies, and the general public. I also assist with matters concerning other Chinese-speaking jurisdictions, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, and Singapore. In addition, I write articles reporting recent legal news and developments in China for the Global Legal Monitor.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
I firmly believe that research and writing skills are of the utmost importance in a lawyer’s practice, and the Law Library of Congress is one of the best places to polish one’s skill set. Our work is question-oriented, so it’s interesting and challenging. My mentor and colleagues are experts in conducting legal research in various fields of law, and they are really helpful in answering questions. In addition, the Library has a world renowned collection of almost unlimited resources, which is really attractive to a passionate reader.
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library?
Apart from the huge collection of books, what surprises me most is the fact that nearly all services provided by the Library are free of charge. The general public can get assistance with one’s research from a Library staff, and resources in the Library are easily accessible to everyone. Also, many of my colleagues have worked for decades in the Library, which is a great indication of their love and dedication to the work.
What is something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I’m a big fan of classical Chinese literature and arts. I can draw traditional Chinese paintings, and I started studying traditional Chinese calligraphy when I was six. I hope you enjoyed my Lanting Xu in Laney’s previous post, Happy the Year of the Dog! – Pic of the Week.