World Bank Legal Internship Program 2025 – Internship Opportunities for Law Students
The World Bank Legal Internship Program 2025 offers highly motivated law students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international law and development. Whether you’re pursuing a JD, LLB, LLM, SJD, or equivalent legal degree, this prestigious internship provides exposure to the work of the Legal Vice Presidency at the World Bank. Interns will be involved in research, legal analysis, and policy discussions while contributing to high-profile events. The program is available at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and selected country offices. If you’re passionate about law and global development, this is your chance to apply. Read on for more details about the program, application process, and the ideal candidate profile.
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Background & Job Description
The World Bank is one of the world’s most influential institutions, committed to reducing global poverty and enhancing shared prosperity. Its Legal Vice Presidency plays a crucial role in the Bank’s operations, providing legal advice and support for projects, agreements, and activities aimed at improving the lives of people worldwide.
The World Bank Legal Internship Program offers law students a hands-on, enriching experience working with seasoned lawyers in a dynamic, multicultural environment. Interns collaborate directly with the Legal Vice Presidency team, contributing to vital legal services, conducting research, and even participating in conferences and high-level meetings. This internship is designed to help students enhance their legal skills while learning about the intersection of law, policy, and development in a global context.
The program is available three times a year—Summer, Fall, and Spring—at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and select country offices, making it an invaluable opportunity for law students eager to immerse themselves in international development law.
Key Highlights:
- Internship duration: 10-12 weeks
- Locations: Washington, D.C., and certain field offices
- Type: Unpaid (academic credit or university funding required)
- Application deadlines: December (for Summer), April (for Fall), September (for Spring)
Disclaimer: This site is not affiliated with the World Bank or its recruitment departments. We provide this information to assist job seekers in discovering career opportunities at leading global organizations.
Tasks
As an intern in the Legal Vice Presidency, you will engage in a range of essential activities that will contribute to the legal work of the World Bank. Interns are expected to take part in both routine and special assignments, providing meaningful assistance to World Bank’s legal team and stakeholders.
Some of the tasks include:
- Conducting Legal Research: Interns will conduct detailed legal research on a variety of topics, including international law, development policy, and legal frameworks affecting World Bank projects. This may involve using databases, reviewing existing legal files, and analyzing case law or precedents.
- Comparative Legal Analysis: Interns will compare laws and policies across different regions, identifying relevant issues and proposing solutions based on their research. This helps the Legal Vice Presidency stay informed about global legal trends.
- Support in Legal Drafting: Interns may be asked to assist in drafting memoranda, legal briefs, and reports for the World Bank’s internal teams, client governments, and external partners.
- Task/Project Participation: Interns will actively participate in task teams, supporting senior lawyers in preparing legal opinions, offering policy recommendations, and providing legal insights for World Bank projects.
- Event and Conference Assistance: Interns will help organize high-profile legal events and conferences, which may include logistical coordination, content preparation, and other support functions.
- Ad-Hoc Assignments: As needed, interns will assist with ad-hoc assignments, ensuring that the legal team is always supported with up-to-date information and relevant legal analyses.
This internship offers an invaluable experience in an international legal setting and is designed to prepare students for a legal career in development, human rights, or international law.
World Bank Legal Internship Program 2025 – Internship Opportunities for Law Students
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Candidates applying for the World Bank Legal Internship Program must meet the following academic criteria:
- Enrollment: You must be enrolled in a law degree program (LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent) at the time you will undertake your internship.
- For example, if you apply for the Summer internship, you should be enrolled in your legal program during the months of June to August.
- Proof of Enrollment: You must submit proof of enrollment in your law program, along with your academic transcripts, as part of your application.
- Additional Preferences: While not mandatory, proficiency in a second language, particularly one of the World Bank’s working languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish), is highly advantageous.
Experience
There is no mandatory professional experience required to apply for the World Bank Legal Internship Program; however, the following would be beneficial:
- Prior Legal Experience: Previous internships, research positions, or volunteer work related to law, international development, or public policy would be advantageous.
- Research and Analytical Skills: A solid foundation in conducting legal research and analyzing complex issues will be key for success in the program.
- Global Perspective: Experience or exposure to international law, human rights, or development issues will help candidates better understand the scope of the World Bank’s work.
Additional Skills and Competencies
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential for this position.
- Team Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including lawyers, development professionals, and senior management, is crucial.
- Attention to Detail: Interns must demonstrate strong attention to detail, particularly when preparing legal documents or conducting research.
- Language Skills: While English is the primary language of operation, knowledge of a second language is a plus.
Additional Information
Visa and Costs
- Visa Requirements: Interns will need a valid student visa for their internship period, which must be sponsored by their university. The World Bank may assist with visa applications only in exceptional cases.
- Unpaid Internship: The World Bank’s Legal Internship Program is unpaid. Interns must secure their own funding or academic credit for the duration of the internship.
- Medical Insurance: It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure that they have appropriate medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship. Proof of valid insurance must be provided before the internship starts.
Selection Process
The World Bank follows a competitive selection process. Applicants will be assessed based on their academic achievements, prior experience, language skills, and fit for the program.
Onboarding and Evaluation
Upon selection, all interns will undergo an onboarding session at the start of the program. Performance evaluations are not typically provided at the conclusion of the internship.
Note: Participation in the World Bank Legal Internship Program does not guarantee future employment at the World Bank.
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