Today’s interview is with Tatev Martirosyan, a foreign law intern working with Assistant Law Librarian for Legal Research Peter Roudik in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.
- Describe your background.
My name is Tatev Martirosyan, and I am a lawyer, Ph.D. researcher, and lecturer from Armenia. I am also a licensed attorney and mediator. I hold LL.B. and LL.M. degrees from Yerevan State University, and recently completed a second LL.M. in technology law at Penn State Dickinson Law as a Fulbright scholar.
Throughout my career, I have worked with government institutions, international organizations, and academic institutions on legal and regulatory issues, particularly in the areas of technology, innovation, and public policy.
- What is your academic/professional history?
I have over eight years of experience in legal practice and research, as well as nearly two years of teaching experience. Before coming to the United States, I served as a prosecutor in Armenia. Before that, I worked as an attorney and legal consultant on projects with international organizations, including the World Bank, the European Union, the Council of Europe, and UNICEF.
In addition, I teach law courses at Yerevan State University, and am currently completing a Ph.D. focused on the regulation of crypto-assets and emerging technologies.
- How would you describe your job to other people?
I usually say that law is more than just a profession; it is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I would describe my work as helping people and institutions understand how the law responds to new challenges.
Whether through legal research, policy analysis, teaching, or legal practice, my role involves examining complex issues, comparing different legal approaches, and translating them into practical solutions.
- Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?
After completing my Fulbright program, I was selected for the Muskie Professional Fellowship Program, which provides an opportunity to gain practical experience within U.S. institutions.
The Law Library of Congress stood out to me because of its unique role in comparative and international legal research. As someone passionate about legal innovation and comparative law, I was excited by the opportunity to learn from leading experts, contribute to research projects with global impact, and gain a deeper understanding of how different legal systems address common challenges.
- What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?
One of the most fascinating things I have learned is the breadth of the Law Library’s foreign and international law collections. The ability to access legal materials from jurisdictions around the world and support comparative legal research makes it an extraordinary resource for researchers, policymakers, and legal professionals.
- What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?
Most of my co-workers probably do not know that, alongside my legal work, I enjoy creating projects that connect people through ideas and conversation.
During my LL.M. studies, I launched a legal podcast where I interviewed professors, researchers, and students about law, policy, and emerging technologies. It allowed me to combine my interests in law, education, and storytelling while creating a platform for meaningful discussions.
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