An Interview with Justine Forcina, Foreign Law Intern

Today’s interview is with Justine Forcina, 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 Langenfeld, a town in western Germany. With an Italian father and a German mother, I grew up in a multicultural household that shaped both my identity and outlook. From an early age, I was fascinated by languages and international perspectives. So much that I began taking additional English classes as early as the second grade. After finishing school, I spent a year in Greenwich, Connecticut, working as an au pair. This first-hand experience with everyday life in the United States sparked a deep and lasting interest.

What is your academic/professional history?

I studied law at the University of Cologne, specializing in corporate law. In parallel with my studies, I earned a certificate in U.S. law, completing nine English-language courses taught by American legal professionals. This was a passion project for me, demanding but deeply rewarding, and it gave me meaningful insights into how the U.S. legal system works. I am currently completing my legal traineeship at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm. My internship at the Law Library of Congress is part of the administrative stage of this two-year program, which ends with the second state exam to qualify as a lawyer in Germany.

How would you describe your job to other people?

As a foreign law intern in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress, I support my supervisor, Jenny Gesley, in providing legal analysis related to German-speaking countries and the European Union. My work involves conducting legal research and drafting comparative reports in response to requests from Congress, federal agencies, and courts, as well as reference assistance for private individuals, and contributing to online publications such as the Global Legal Monitor and the In Custodia Legis blog.

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

During my studies, especially while completing the certificate in U.S. law, I developed a strong interest in comparative legal research. I was particularly drawn to analyzing how different legal systems approach similar issues and how they influence one another. Working at the Law Library of Congress allows me to apply this perspective in a practical setting, supporting legal inquiries from various users. I find it fascinating to help make foreign legal information accessible to such a broad audience. The opportunity to work across a wide range of legal topics while contributing to the Library’s mission makes this role especially rewarding.

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

The most interesting fact I have learned about the Library of Congress is that it was built on Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of 6,487 books, which he sold to Congress after the original library was destroyed in the 1814 fire. Only about one third of the original books survived a second fire in 1851. Today, visitors can see Jefferson’s library in an exhibition, where original books, identical replacements, and missing volumes are identified using a color-coded system.

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

I love to spend time at flea markets and thrift shops. For me, it is not just about finding unique pieces, but also about expressing myself through fashion in a sustainable way. I am also passionate about artistic projects like painting, drawing, and making collages. What I especially enjoy is giving new life to existing materials by transforming them into something new. It is a personal and artistic process that allows me to express myself in a very different way from legal writing.

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