In the context of the World Bank's broad development agenda, the Legal Vice Presidency provides in-house legal services to ensure that all World Bank activities comply with the Institution's Articles of Agreement, policies, and procedures. This includes advising World Bank teams on the legal and policy aspects of lending operations, corporate finance, and administrative and institutional matters. Drawing on its unique perspective and expertise, the Legal Vice Presidency also advises on a wide range of public and private legal development challenges, adding to the global body of legal knowledge in support of advancing development impact.
Under the overall guidance of the World Bank’s General Counsel, three Deputy General Counsels lead teams that support all World Bank units around the world.
Operations
The Operations team assists in the design of operations, drafting and negotiation of legal agreements for those operations, assistance in processing their approval by the Board of Executive Directors, and facilitating responsive action to changing circumstances during implementation of operations.
Corporate Finance
The Corporate Finance team provides legal advice and services to the World Bank’s finance units, including the Chief Financial Officer and the following Vice Presidencies: Treasury, Chief Risk Officer, Finance and Accounting, and Development Finance.
Institutional Administration
The Institutional Administration is responsible for ensuring the protection of the Bank’s privileges and immunities, including by managing external litigation worldwide. The team also advises management on ethics and employment matters, acts as counsel to the Board of Executive Directors on personnel and administration matters, and supports the institution on other administrative matters, including its procurement, real estate, and intellectual property.
Law Advisory & Knowledge Services
In addition to the three main functions outlined above, the Legal Vice Presidency also provides law and judicial support services to member countries and has a team dedicated to support the development, dissemination, and application of legal knowledge that advances World Bank’s priorities and countries’ development agendas.
