The Legal Vice Presidency of the World Bank provides an exceptional chance for law students who are deeply motivated and wish to gain insights into the operations and mission of the World Bank, particularly within the Legal Vice Presidency division. This internship program is an opportunity for individuals to introduce new ideas, innovative concepts, and the latest findings from research into the day-to-day workings of the World Bank, enhancing their legal expertise in a diverse and multicultural setting.

The primary goal of this initiative is to immerse you in the World Bank's daily functions through close collaboration with the staff of the Legal Vice Presidency. By joining our team, you'll work directly with seasoned and inspiring professionals in the field of development and senior management, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the legal services provided by the Legal Vice Presidency. Additionally, interns will have the chance to attend high-profile conferences and events that are organized during their internship term.

World Bank Legal Internship Program Overview

The World Bank Legal Internship Program is held three times annually and lasts up to three months, taking place at the World Bank's headquarters in Washington, D.C., as well as at select country offices worldwide. This program is tailored for students who are currently enrolled in law school.

Eligibility for Internship in the Legal Vice Presidency

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To qualify for an internship within the Legal Vice Presidency, applicants must meet the following criteria:

– You must be a citizen of an IBRD member country.

– You must be enrolled in a law program such as an LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or an equivalent legal academic program during the internship period (e.g., if applying for the Summer Cycle, you must be enrolled from June to August).

– You must possess an excellent command of the English language.

Preference is given to those who are proficient in a second language, particularly if it is one of the IBRD's working languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

We welcome applications from eligible students both within the United States and internationally.

Program Timeline

– Summer Internship: The application period begins on December 1st and ends on December 31st. The internship typically spans 10-12 weeks between June and August, adjusted according to the current needs. This offers students a chance to engage in a full-time professional experience at the World Bank during the summer break.

– Fall Internship: Applications open on April 1st and close on April 30th. The internship is proposed to last 10-12 weeks, generally from September to November, suiting those seeking professional experience alongside their academic studies, including those in part-time or evening law programs. In line with U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations, students on pre-completion OPT may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session.

– Spring Internship: This application window is from September 1st to September 30th, with the internship duration proposed to be 10-12 weeks, usually between March and May. It's designed for students wanting to gain professional experience during the academic year.

All applications must adhere to the specified application timelines.

Internship Roles and Responsibilities

Interns are expected to engage in various tasks such as:

– Undertaking diverse legal assignments under the guidance of supervising lawyers.

– Conducting thorough research on assigned topics, using legal databases and other resources, analyzing information, and presenting findings.

– Comparing legal frameworks on a variety of issues, identifying legal and policy challenges, and suggesting viable solutions.

– Collaborating with project teams and supervising lawyers on specific tasks.

– Helping organize and prepare for conferences and meetings.

– Completing additional tasks as requested by supervising lawyers.

Additional Program Information

– Visa: Interns must possess valid student visa documents, sponsored by their educational institutions. The World Bank may assist in obtaining visa documents in exceptional cases.

– Cost: The World Bank does not offer monetary compensation to interns. Interns must be compensated either through their university or another sponsoring organization as per World Bank Group policies, or receive academic credit equivalent to the Bank’s fee schedule.

– Medical Insurance: Interns are responsible for securing their own medical insurance, covering all costs related to accidents and illnesses during the internship.

– Selection Process: Interns are chosen through a competitive process, emphasizing the World Bank Group’s commitment to being an equal opportunity employer.

– Onboarding: A brief orientation session is organized for new interns at the beginning of each internship term.

– Evaluations: The World Bank does not provide performance evaluations for participants in the internship program.

It is important to note that participation in the World Bank Legal Internship Program does not guarantee or imply future employment at the World Bank.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to submit the following documents through the provided link:

– A detailed Résumé

– A Statement of Interest

– Proof of enrollment in an eligible law degree program and academic transcripts

– A short essay responding to a research question posed by the Legal Vice Presidency for the current application period

This comprehensive approach to the application process ensures that candidates are thoroughly evaluated on their potential to contribute to the World Bank's mission and the work of the Legal Vice Presidency.