World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program (Spring) 2025

About the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program

The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency (LEGVPU) Internship Program offers law students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the mission and daily operations of the World Bank and LEGVPU. This prestigious program is open to currently enrolled law students and takes place at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and select country offices.

With its focus on exposing students to legal processes in a multicultural and highly professional environment, the internship offers a chance to enhance both legal knowledge and skills while contributing to significant global development initiatives.

The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program provides law students with first-hand experience in the day-to-day legal operations of the World Bank. As part of the legal team, interns work alongside highly skilled professionals, including lawyers and senior management, contributing to the organization’s legal services. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in high-profile events, conferences, and workshops organized during the internship period.

The program is offered three times a year—during the summer, fall, and spring terms—and typically lasts for up to three months. Interns can expect to work closely with LEGVPU staff, gaining exposure to diverse legal matters in an international development context.

Eligibility Criteria for the Internship

To qualify for the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Citizenship: Applicants must hold citizenship of an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) member country.
Education: Applicants must be enrolled in a law degree program, including LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or their equivalent. Students must provide proof of enrollment during the application process.
Language Proficiency: Applicants must have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken. Preference will be given to candidates proficient in a second language, particularly one of the official languages of the World Bank (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Applications are welcomed from both international and U.S.-based students who meet these criteria.

Program Benefits and Compensation

While the World Bank Legal Internship Program provides students with invaluable exposure to international legal work, it is essential to note that the program is unpaid. Below are key details about funding, visa requirements, and other benefits:

Visa: Interns must have valid student visa documents, typically sponsored by their educational institutions. The World Bank only assists with visa documentation in exceptional cases.

Compensation: The World Bank does not provide direct monetary compensation. However, interns may receive academic credit or other financial support from their universities or sponsoring organizations, aligned with World Bank Group policies and standards.
Medical Insurance: Interns are responsible for securing their own medical insurance, which must cover them globally for the internship duration. Proof of valid medical coverage must be submitted.
Onboarding and Support: The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency organizes onboarding sessions at the beginning of each term to orient the new cohort of interns.

Please note that participation in the program does not guarantee future employment at the World Bank.

How to Apply

To apply for the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program (Spring) 2025, interested candidates must submit the following documents through the official application link:

1. Résumé/CV: A detailed account of your academic and professional background.

2. Statement of Interest: This should outline your motivations for applying and how your skills align with the goals of the program.

3. Proof of Enrollment: Applicants must provide verification of their enrollment in a law degree program (LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent). This can include academic transcripts or letters from the educational institution.

4. Short Essay: Candidates will be asked to respond to a research question posed by the Legal Vice Presidency for the current application cycle.

The application deadlines and specific research questions can be found on the official program webpage, which applicants should thoroughly review before applying.

Program Duration and Timeline

The World Bank Legal Internship Program is offered three times a year, with each session lasting for a maximum of three months. The exact duration and start dates may vary depending on the session (spring, summer, or fall). Applicants should carefully plan their availability to align with the session dates and any academic requirements from their home institutions.

Key Considerations for Applicants

Competitive Selection: The program is highly competitive, with numerous applications from well-qualified law students worldwide. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee placement.

No Performance Evaluations: The World Bank does not provide formal evaluations of interns’ performance. Instead, the internship is meant to be a learning experience, with interns gaining insights into the workings of a global organization.
Limited Country Office Opportunities: While internships are available at the World Bank Headquarters, opportunities in field offices are limited to locations where a LEGVPU lawyer is present.

Conclusion

The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for law students to immerse themselves in international development and legal work. By participating, interns gain unparalleled exposure to the legal operations of one of the world’s leading financial institutions while developing valuable professional skills. However, with no direct compensation and a competitive selection process, applicants must be prepared to finance their own participation and demonstrate a genuine passion for the World Bank’s mission.

For more detailed information on eligibility, application deadlines, and other requirements, be sure to visit the official program webpage by clicking the link below.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY