She also worked for the Recording Industry Association of America and at the law firm Williams & Connolly, LLP.

She began her legal career as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division through its Honors Program and was a law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

[6] She directed the Office of Policy and International Affairs, which represents the Copyright Office at meetings of government officials concerned with the international aspects of intellectual property protection, and she provided regular support to Congress and its committees on statutory amendments and construction.

She is, according to Billboard Magazine, "seen as being evenhanded on the kinds of intellectual property issues that have become contentious in the digital age.

[9] On December 18, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden appointed Maria Strong as acting register to serve until a replacement for Temple is found.