Today’s interview is with Gerard Mosolo, a legal research fellow currently working in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.
Describe your background.
I was born and raised in Binga, in the north region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). After elementary school, I went to a Catholic boarding school where I attended high school miles away from my relatives. My high school experience was challenging and positively shaped my life by making me more independent, resilient, and responsible for my own choices.
After completing high school, I studied law at the Université de Kinshasa, in DRC, where I received a bachelor’s degree in economic and social law (Licence en Droit) in 2008. Afterwards, I started managing a family business before I joined a local law firm called MBM-Conseil as a trainee associate. I was admitted by the Kinshasa/Gombe Bar to practice law in October 2010. Throughout my career, I have gained strong experience in working with international law firms to assist international companies in navigating the DRC’s business landscape. I am currently pursuing an LL.M. in international business and trade law at the American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. I will be graduating in December 2023.
How do you describe your job to other people?
I work as a legal research fellow in the Global Legal Research Directorate under the supervision of Kelly Buchanan. My job involves conducting legal research and analyses of relevant legislation of several French-speaking African jurisdictions. Based on the research outcomes, I draft letters, emails, and reports in response to specific requests from Law Library patrons, which include U.S. federal agencies and private patrons.
Why did you want to work at the Library of Congress?
When I came across the opportunity to work for the Library of Congress, I was driven by a desire to experience this new work environment and contribute to the great work that is being done to accomplish the Law Library’s missions. I believed that working for this prestigious institution would provide me with an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research and legal analysis of laws of several foreign jurisdictions, and accordingly enhance my skills in writing legal research reports.
What is the most interesting fact that you’ve learned about the Library?
The largeness of its collection encompassing American, foreign, comparative, and international law is just stunning. It is impressive to notice that all the resources are easily accessible and are kept up-to-date. One of the most fascinating facts is that the Library of Congress has six overseas offices located in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. These offices collect publications from 86 countries in 150 languages. This is just incredible.
What’s something that most of your co-workers don’t know about you?
Cooking is my love language. I am passionate about cooking for my loved ones. I know my way around the kitchen and I love to share my parents’ recipes that I grew up with.
