Today’s interview is with Abdulhadi Zafar, a foreign law intern working with Foreign Law Specialist George Sadek at the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress. Abdulhadi conducts research on the laws of Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Describe your background?
I am from Saudi Arabia. I was born and raised in the holy city of Mecca. I have a big, loving family with two sisters and nine brothers. My family raised me in a conservative way in which I had to study in a special religious school. My school is called Dar al-Hadith Makkah. It has a different curriculum from other government schools that focuses on Sharia (Islamic Law) studies.
What is your academic/professional history?
In 2015, I received my bachelor’s degree in Sharia and law with honors from Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After that, I worked at my university as a legal researcher until I received a full scholarship from my government to continue my LL.M degree in the United States. I am currently completing an LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law with a certificate in arbitration at Georgetown Law Center.
How would you describe your job to other people?
I work under my supervisor, George Sadek. I conduct research on legal developments in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC). Those countries are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. After I discover a new legal development in the GCC countries, I write a Global Legal Monitor (GLM) article about it. Also, I provide legal responses concerning any questions about the GCC countries.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
I found the internship position in the database of Georgetown Law website. I immediately applied because I have been looking for a position in the Law Library since last year. I believe that this internship in the Law Library will help me to have a successful career in the academic field in the future. Also, I believe that such experience in the field of legal research will help me to apply for a doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program in the United States.
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
I had no idea before that the Law Library of Congress has so many employees. On my first day, my supervisor introduced me to the legal specialists who work in the Global Legal Research Directorate. I was surprised at the level of experience that each legal specialist has. I was amazed at how diverse the Global Legal Research Directorate is. There is an attorney from each part of the world working on an array of jurisdictions simultaneously.
What is something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I love playing soccer. I was a professional soccer player in Saudi Arabia for Alwehda Club. I play soccer twice a week nowadays. I also love watching soccer games when I have time.