Today’s interview is with Dr. Eva Dauke, 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 was born in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany (present day Germany). After the reunification of West and East Germany and the relocation of the capital to Berlin, I moved there with my family. After finishing high school in Berlin, I moved to Potsdam for my university studies. Potsdam is a small city near Berlin, which was a residence of the Prussian kings and the German Emperor. It is known for its World Heritage-listed palaces and parks.
What is your academic/professional history?
In 2015, I started studying law at the University of Potsdam. Throughout my studies I developed a strong interest in international law and various state regulations, which led me to specialize in private international law.
After completing my first German State Exam in 2020, I began my doctoral studies (Ph.D.) at the University of Konstanz, focusing on peer-to-peer lending in the field of private international law, which I successfully completed in 2023.
In 2022, I started a two-year legal traineeship program, which is necessary to qualify as a lawyer in Germany. During this time, I gained experience in various legal settings, including court, the public prosecutor’s office, the Ministry of Interior and for Municipal Affairs of the State Government of Brandenburg, and a big law firm. My current internship here at the Law Library is part of that program.
How would you describe your job to other people?
As a foreign law intern at the Global Legal Research Directorate at the Law Library of Congress, I assist my supervisor Jenny Gesley in providing legal information regarding the German-speaking jurisdictions and the European Union in response to requests from Congress, executive agencies, or the public.
Additionally, I write articles for the Global Legal Monitor, an online publication of the Law Library of Congress that covers legal news and developments from around the world, and for the In Custodia Legis blog.
Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
My doctoral studies have consistently engaged my interest in legal research and other jurisdictions. Therefore, I was excited to have the opportunity to work at a place where law experts from all over the world provide their expertise to the government of the United States. It has been a great experience to improve my research and writing skills in the field of international legal matters.
What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
I am fascinated by the range of the Law Library of Congress’ work. They not only provide the world’s largest library for the public, but also support the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Government, and U.S. judiciary, like the U.S. Supreme Court, with their foreign law expertise.
As a side note, I was surprised to learn that not only are the three buildings of the Library of Congress’s Capitol Hill Complex connected by tunnels, but that you can also use them to reach the Capitol.
What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
I have been playing tennis ever since I was a young girl and still very much enjoy playing in my free time. During my time in Washington, D.C., I like cycling around the city. It is a great way to explore all sides of the city.
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Comments (2)
Very interesting and rich legal background. I hope your internship in the Law Library is fruitful and beneficial.
Thank you, Dr. Dauke, for sharing your experiences! It’s very neat to learn about your journey into law and how that has brought you to the Law Library. My Masters was focused on librarianship, so I’m always interested in learning all I can to better my local Law Library.