About the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program
The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency (LEGVPU) Internship Program provides law students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the World Bank’s mission and daily operations.
This prestigious program is available to currently enrolled law students and takes place at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and select country offices.
The program focuses on exposing students to legal processes in a multicultural and highly professional environment, enhancing their legal knowledge and skills while contributing to significant global development initiatives.
READ ALSO:Schlumberger Foundation 2025 Fellowship: $50,000 Grant
Interns gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day legal operations of the World Bank, working alongside skilled professionals, including lawyers and senior management.
They also have the opportunity to participate in high-profile events, conferences, and workshops held during the internship.
The internship is offered three times a year—during the summer, fall, and spring terms—and typically lasts up to three months.
Interns work closely with LEGVPU staff and gain 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 criteria:
— Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) member country.
— Education: Applicants must be enrolled in a law degree program (LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent) and 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 who are also proficient in a second language, particularly one of the World Bank’s official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Applications are welcome from both international and U.S.-based students who meet these criteria.
Program Benefits and Compensation
The World Bank Legal Internship Program offers students valuable exposure to international legal work.
However, it is important to note that the program is unpaid.
Below are key details regarding funding, visa requirements, and other benefits:
— Visa: Interns must have valid student visa documents, typically sponsored by their educational institutions. The World Bank provides assistance with visa documentation only in exceptional cases.
— Compensation: The World Bank does not provide direct monetary compensation. Interns may, however, receive academic credit or other financial support from their universities or sponsoring organizations, in accordance with World Bank Group policies.
— Medical Insurance: Interns are responsible for obtaining their own medical insurance, which must cover them globally for the duration of the internship. Proof of valid medical coverage is required.
— Onboarding and Support: The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency conducts onboarding sessions at the start of each term to orient the new group of interns.
SEE ALSO:Michigan Tech International Scholarships 2025/2026
Please note that participation in the program does not guarantee future employment with 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:
- Résumé/CV: A detailed account of your academic and professional background.
- Statement of Interest: This should explain your motivations for applying and how your skills align with the program’s goals.
- Proof of Enrollment: Verification of enrollment in a law degree program (LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent), which can include academic transcripts or letters from your educational institution.
- Short Essay: A response to a research question posed by the Legal Vice Presidency for the current application cycle.
Application deadlines and specific research questions are available on the official program webpage, which applicants should review carefully before applying.
Program Duration and Timeline
The World Bank Legal Internship Program is offered three times a year, with each session lasting up to three months.
The specific duration and start dates may vary depending on the session (spring, summer, or fall).
Applicants should 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, attracting 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. The internship is designed as a learning experience, providing 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.
The World Bank Legal Vice Presidency Internship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for law students to engage in international development and legal work.
Interns gain invaluable exposure to the legal operations of one of the world’s leading financial institutions and develop valuable professional skills.
However, the program is unpaid and highly competitive, so applicants must be prepared to finance their own participation and demonstrate a strong passion for the World Bank’s mission.
For more detailed information on eligibility, application deadlines, and other requirements, please visit the official program webpage via the link below.
