The World Bank Legal Internship Program (LIP) 2025 offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated law students to gain first-hand exposure to the mission and operations of the World Bank and its Legal Vice Presidency. This program is designed to enhance legal skills, encourage innovative perspectives, and foster multicultural collaboration within a global organization dedicated to ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity.
Interns will work closely with experienced legal professionals, contributing to legal services, research, and high-profile projects. The summer internship program is held three times a year: during the Summer, Fall, and Spring cycles, with internships lasting up to three months. The Summer Cycle application period runs from December 1–31, 2024.
Quick Overview of World Bank Legal Internship Program 2025
- Host Organization: World Bank
- Location: Washington, D.C., and selected country offices
- Duration: 10–12 weeks
- Eligibility: Law students enrolled in LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent legal programs
- Application Period: December 1–31, 2024
- Internship Dates: June–August 2025
Perks of WB Legal Internship for IBRD member countries
- Hands-on experience in legal operations and policy development at the World Bank.
- Opportunity to work in a multicultural environment alongside experienced professionals.
- Exposure to international legal frameworks, comparative legal research, and policy analysis.
- Participation in conferences, high-profile events, and global advocacy projects.
- Networking opportunities with legal experts and professionals from around the world.
Benefits of Legal Internship at the World Bank 2025
By joining this internship, you’ll:
- Enhance legal research, policy analysis, and advocacy skills.
- Collaborate with professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Build a strong foundation for a career in international law and development.
- Work on real-world legal issues, ranging from policy-making to legal frameworks.
- Establish valuable connections within the World Bank and beyond.
Exclusions of Internships for Law Students
- This is an unpaid internship; you’ll need to cover your expenses.
- Interns are responsible for obtaining visas and medical insurance.
- Participation doesn’t promise a job at the World Bank afterward.
- Internships are primarily at the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
Eligibility Criteria of Internships with Real-World Legal Experience
- Enrollment in a legal academic program (LLB, JD, LLM, SJD, PhD, or equivalent).
- The program must overlap with the internship period (e.g., June–August for the Summer Cycle).
- Must hold citizenship in a member state of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
- Fluency in English is mandatory.
- Proficiency in an additional World Bank working language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is highly desirable.
Important Dates of Legal Internship Program for International Students
- Application Opens: December 1, 2024
- Application Closes: December 31, 2024
- Internship Duration: 10–12 weeks (typically June–August 2025)
How to Apply to the Internship at the World Bank
- Apply on the application form.
- Upload Required Documents:
- Résumé
- Statement of Interest
- Proof of Enrollment: Academic transcripts or enrollment letters in a legal degree program.
- Short Essay: Response to a research question posed by the Legal Vice Presidency.
Required Documents for World Bank Legal Internship 2025
- Résumé: Highlight relevant academic and professional experience.
- Statement of Interest: Outline your motivation for joining the program and your career aspirations.
- Proof of Enrollment: Certification of enrollment in an eligible legal program.
- Academic Transcripts: Display academic performance and relevant coursework.
- Essay: Address the specified research question during the application cycle.
Note: Remember to arrange for your own visa and medical insurance. This internship does not offer payment, so plan accordingly. This is a fantastic chance to grow professionally and make a real impact!
Role and Responsibilities of Interns
- Conduct legal research and analyses on assigned issues.
- Prepare legal memoranda, policy briefs, and comparative legal studies.
- Assist with organizing high-profile events, conferences, and meetings.
- Collaborate on legal projects under the supervision of experienced lawyers.
- Participate in task/project teams and contribute to policy-making discussions.
Key Program Information
- Interns must have valid student visas sponsored by their educational institutions. The World Bank may assist in exceptional cases.
- Interns must secure funding from their university or an external sponsor, as the World Bank does not provide direct financial compensation.
- Proof of valid global medical insurance coverage is required for participation.
- Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, language skills, and relevance of experience.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit additional materials or attend an interview.
For more details and to apply, visit the official WB Legal Internship website.
