Today’s interview is with Lena Fleischmann, a foreign law intern working with Foreign Law Specialist Jenny Gesley in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.
Describe your background.
I grew up in a small town in northern Bavaria and moved to Munich, Germany, when I was 12 years old. After finishing high school, I moved to Augsburg to study law. For the past year, I have been living in Washington, D.C., pursuing my master’s degree (LL.M.) in international and comparative law at The George Washington University Law School and Georgetown Law. After graduation in May 2022, I moved back to Germany to finish my education.
What is your academic/professional history?
I recently graduated from The George Washington University Law School with an LL.M. in international and comparative law. I also took an international law course at Georgetown Law. I started studying law at the University of Augsburg in 2017 and am now planning to take the German bar exam in 2023. I have completed several internships so far, mostly in the criminal law sector. During my internship at a law firm in New York City, I got to write several blog posts for their Fashion Industry Law Blog.
How would you describe your job to other people?
I am doing my internship remotely from my home office in Germany. I assist my supervisor, Jenny Gesley, with delivering high level expertise on the law of German-speaking jurisdictions and the European Union. For that purpose, I write Global Legal Monitor articles and blog posts about recent, interesting topics for In Custodia Legis.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
I was (and still am) impressed by the Law Library’s wide range of areas of responsibility and wanted to gain a better insight and understanding. I like writing about what is happening in the world or discussing important matters that have been going on for a while to raise awareness – not only for people in the field of law but everybody. It is very exciting to be a part of a federal government agency that belongs to the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
The fact that someone must always be available in the Law Library reading room while Congress is in session in case they need assistance or a specific book, no matter how late it gets.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
Before I decided to study law, I wanted to become a police officer. I think I always wanted to contribute and to make a change in the world, but ultimately I decided to do it by being an attorney and helping my clients instead of patrolling the streets and investigating crimes – and I am happy I did so.
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