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Ivana Hristova, foreign law intern. Photo by Taylor Gulatsi.

An Interview with Ivana Hristova, Foreign Law Intern

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Today’s interview is with Ivana Hristova, 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 and raised in Smolyan, Bulgaria, until I was nine years old. My family then immigrated to Germany, where I have lived ever since. This is the reason why I am fluent both in German and Bulgarian.

What is your academic/professional history?

I attended school in Thuringia, Germany, and began studying law at the University of Göttingen in 2013. In 2015, I participated in the Erasmus Program and studied law at the University of Athens. Afterwards, I moved to Cologne and continued my studies at the University of Bonn, where I passed my first state exam in 2019. Following a year of travel, I started my doctoral studies on better regulation in environmental law at the University of Bonn in 2020, just before the pandemic. In December 2023, I began a two-year legal traineeship program, which is required to qualify as a lawyer in Germany. This program has provided me with the opportunity to work at the Law Library of Congress.

How would you describe your job to other people?

As an intern specializing in foreign law within the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress, I support my supervisor, Jenny Gesley, by offering legal insights into developments in German-speaking jurisdictions and the European Union. My role primarily involves researching and preparing comparative studies in response to inquiries from Congress, courts, and executive agencies, as well as assisting the public with research needs. I also contribute articles to the Global Legal Monitor and write blog posts on current and engaging topics for the In Custodia Legis blog.

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

From the outset of my legal studies, I developed a keen interest in legal research and foreign law, especially during my semester abroad and doctoral studies. My work at the chair of public law at my university further fueled my enthusiasm for exploring the intersection of politics and law. The Law Library of Congress, with its focus on producing high-quality research for both public and political use, seemed like a perfect match for these interests. This internship has indeed proven to be an excellent opportunity to refine my research and writing skills while gaining valuable insights into the workings of the U.S. government. It represents a significant step forward in my professional and personal development, allowing me to participate in advanced research on international, comparative, and U.S. law. As a Ph.D. student, I am eager to further my expertise in comparative analysis and human rights-related laws, and this role at the Law Library of Congress is instrumental in helping me achieve that goal.

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

I did not know that the Law Library of Congress is also renowned for its impressive collection of legal rare books. Among its treasures is the “Codex Justinianus,” a 6th-century manuscript of Roman law that is one of the earliest surviving copies of the Justinian Code. This code is a foundational text for the development of modern civil law systems. The library’s collection of rare legal materials not only showcases historical legal traditions, but also highlights the evolution of legal thought over centuries.

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

I love traveling and exploring new countries. You can often find me off the beaten path, whether it is in the deserts of Bolivia, the mountains of Peru, the rainforests of Belize, or the beaches of Thailand.

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