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The following is a guest post by Alea Al-Aghbari, an administrative specialist in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.

Photograph shows the exterior of the James Madison Building of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Exterior of the James Madison Building of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. [Cover For ALA Journal, Front of LM 9/8/88] Library of Congress. Photoduplication Service, photographer (1988). Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, https://lccn.loc.gov/2017646193.
The Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress is looking for new additions to our team this fall. From reference to research to writing, GLRD offers a variety of opportunities for an exciting and fulfilling career. A list of our current open vacancies can be found at the bottom of this post.

Not sure if the Law Library is the right fit for you? Our “Interview” posts are a great source of information about the different roles we have at the Law Library. Take a look at what our staff say about working here:

Jenny Gesley, Foreign Law Specialist:

What do you like about working for the Law Library of Congress?

What I love about my job is that it is at the intersection of research and practice and can cover every area of the law. This makes it both challenging and interesting at the same time. What I read about in my newspaper in the morning might end up as a request from Congress on my desk when I get to work. It makes me feel proud to know that my report will help Congress to make informed decisions. In addition, I very much enjoy working with experts from all over the world at the Law Library. It is always a delight to exchange information and opinions with people who have first-hand knowledge of different countries and legal systems.

Elin Hofverberg, Foreign Law Specialist:

What project are you most proud of that you have worked on at the Law Library of Congress?

The most rewarding part of my job is the joy of providing information that our patrons cannot find anywhere else; for example, locating an old law from a foreign jurisdiction, or writing an analysis of a recent foreign legal development not covered by the U.S. media. Work at the Law Library of Congress is always very varied. Our director, Peter Roudik, often says, “what’s in the news is on our desks.” I have written reports on topics as diverse as cryptocurrencies, foreign aid, and the slaughter of animals. I have also written “lighter” pieces, such as my blog pieces on Lego and Danish Patent Law, and the Making of a Legal Cinnamon Bun.

Peter Quinn, Writer-Editor:

How would you describe your job to other people?

The Global Legal Research Directorate responds to research requests from Congress, federal agencies, and other Library patrons about legal issues in foreign countries. As most of the draft responses are prepared by authors who are foreign-trained and for whom English may be a second language, the GLRD editorial staff assist them in making sure the responses reflect standard American English and the legal information can be clearly understood by a U.S. audience.

Damian Terbiler, Summer 2021 Intern:

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

I thought working at the Law Library would be a fantastic way of learning about a range of areas of law. Thus far, my research has touched on consumer law, the automobile industry in Australia and the U.S., and on family law. I would never have explored these fascinating areas outside of this internship and I think that this will help me to develop into a well-rounded attorney. I am also passionate about different constitutional structures and the internship is providing valuable insight into the federal legislative process in the U.S.

Jason Zarin, Legal Reference Librarian:

How would you describe your job to other people?

I connect people to the resources they need. Being a librarian combines detective work and teaching skills, and a little bit of boosterism as well — how can people find the resources they need if they don’t even know about them? In addition to assisting members of Congress and their staff with research, I also work with members of the public who ask questions through the Law Library’s Ask A Librarian service. One of my favorite parts of the job is teaching patrons about the Law Library’s unparalleled collection of legal resources and how to access them. I’ve led virtual training sessions for congressional staff, members of the public, and guest-lectured on researching constitutional law in a university political science course.

Current Openings

Foreign Law Specialist (Vacancy#:VAR001631)

The Foreign Law Specialist position is located in the Global Legal Research Directorate in the Law Library. The Foreign Law Specialist is responsible for providing research, advice and assistance on foreign legal issues, questions, or situations to the United States Congress, Executive Branch Agencies, the Judiciary, and foreign law reference services to other constituencies, including the general public.  In that capacity, the Specialist conducts legal research and analysis and prepares or contributes to legal opinions, briefs, reports, memoranda, and comparative analyses related to the laws and legal systems of assigned jurisdictions in Central America. The incumbent will respond to inquiries related to legal developments in assigned jurisdictions and international organizations where countries of assigned jurisdictions in Central America are members. In addition, the Specialist assists in the development of the Law Library’s online products and recommends acquisitions to the Law Library’s collections related to the assigned jurisdictions.

Opening Date: August 4, 2021

Closing Date: September 3, 2021

Grade Level: GS-11

Series: 0095

Foreign Law Specialist (Vacancy#:VAR001711)

The Foreign Law Specialist position is located in the Global Legal Research Directorate in the Law Library. The Foreign Law Specialist is responsible for providing research, advice and assistance on foreign legal issues, questions, or situations to the United States Congress, Executive Branch Agencies, the Judiciary, and foreign law reference services to other constituencies, including the general public.  In that capacity, the Specialist conducts legal research and analysis and prepares or contributes to legal opinions, briefs, reports, memoranda, and comparative analyses related to the laws and legal systems of assigned jurisdictions in Canada and Caribbean nations. The incumbent will respond to inquiries related to legal developments in assigned jurisdictions and international organizations where countries of assigned jurisdictions in Canada and Caribbean nations are members. In addition, the Specialist assists in the development of the Law Library’s online products and recommends acquisitions to the Law Library’s collections related to the assigned jurisdictions.

Opening Date: August 24, 2021

Closing Date: September 24, 2021

Grade Level: GS-11

Series: 0095

Legal Assistant (Vacancy#:VAR001677)

The Legal Research Fellow works as a junior researcher on foreign, comparative, and international law under the guidance of a staff foreign law specialist. The incumbent’s specialty is defined by Library of Congress needs in jurisdictional coverage and collection development.

Opening Date: August 24, 2021

Closing Date: September 7, 2021

Grade Level: GS-07

Series: 0986

For more information and regular updates about job openings please see our website.

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