Source: US Global Legal Monitor
Today’s interview is with intern Griffin Barros-King, an intern in the Global Legal Research Directorate at the Law Library of Congress.
Describe your background.
I was born in New York City, New York, and later lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Toledo, Ohio; and San Diego, California before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, where I am currently studying law.
What is your academic/professional history?
I studied Applied Mathematics with a focus on statistics and data science at the University of California San Diego, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. I am currently a rising 2L at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. I chose Stetson because of its strong focus on career readiness and its reputation for excellence in legal research and writing. During my time there, I have developed interests in law and technology as well as tax law.
How do you describe your job to other people?
I am an extern with the Global Legal Research Directorate (GLRD) of the Law Library of Congress. My primary responsibility is evaluating AI-powered legal research tools to determine which are most effective and how they can be used while maintaining the high standards of quality and accuracy expected by the Library of Congress. I also assist my supervisor, Assistant Law Librarian for Legal Research Peter Roudik, in analyzing website usage data to identify opportunities for improving the library’s blogs.
Why did you want to work at the Library of Congress?
My interest in legal research and writing made joining the Library of Congress an easy choice. The breadth of legal topics and the quality of the research conducted here are unmatched. In addition, the resources and mentorship available here have helped me grow as a student and researcher and will continue to benefit me throughout my legal career.
What is the most interesting fact that you’ve learned about the Library?
My favorite feature is the series of murals in the main hall just beyond the Gutenberg Bible, which has been aptly titled the Hall of Government murals by Elihu Vedder. The murals on the left, Anarchy and Corrupt Legislation, depict the consequences of bad government, while those on the right, Good Administration and Peace and Prosperity, depict the benefits of good government. The center mural, Government, depicts that a government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people. These murals were intended to inspire members of Congress to govern wisely.
What’s something that most of your co-workers don’t know about you?
I was once a Team USA speed climber. I am also ranked in the top 500 in the world for Expert Minesweeper (yes, the one from 1989).
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