Emmanuel Sogunle, 2025-26 SBS Extern Associate, exploring Tokyo, Japan
The World Bank Group collaborates with the Howard University School of Law for an exciting hands-on externship program that places top law students in key departments at the Bank. These departments focus on various aspects of dispute resolution, and the Sanctions Board is a perfect fit for this kind of work. Take Emmanuel Sogunle, for example—he is currently working as an Extern Associate at the Sanctions Board Secretariat (SBS), where he helps advise and support the Sanctions Board members. Before joining the program, Emmanuel gained various experiences, interning at the United States Mint, working as a Teaching Assistant for Torts and Property and externing at Mintz Levin; where he got the opportunity to work with in-house council at Cigna.
1. What has been your journey as a law student and what brought you to the externship program at the World Bank?
What I admired most about the law degree was the flexibility. Besides practicing medicine, I believed a law degree would open most any door and throughout my journey I found that to be true. I have gotten the opportunity to try many different practice areas ranging from Antitrust to Healthcare to Tax. All have been interesting, but one underlying thread that I found most compelling was the investigation components in these practice areas. So, when the opportunity to extern at the World Bank to work on international investigations, I knew it was an opportunity I could not miss.
2. How can you describe your work at SBS? Are there some highlights? Surprises?
My time at the Sanctions Board Secretariat has been great! Most especially because the team is phenomenal. I have had the opportunity to assist with investigations, comb through prior SBS decisions, and assist with various research assignments.
One highlight that sticks out was getting to take part in a Panel hearing. Getting to hear the Panel members deliberate in real time, and seeing the level of detail and depth of knowledge they have regarding the case was very cool to see.
What surprised me most was just the care required for each case. Watching the members of the team discuss issues of privacy, confidentiality, while also weaving in their substantive knowledge of Sanction Procedures and Integrity Compliance has been most exciting to see.
3. Where do you think your career will take you after law school? What skills or lessons from working at the World Bank Group will you carry away?
Immediately after law school I will be joining a law firm and will practice tax controversy. After my experience at the World Bank, long term, I would love to return to working in the international NGO space.
I have learned so much during my time at the World Bank. From soft skills like networking, asking questions, and navigating being in an office setting. Additionally, I have refined my research skills, learned more about the World Bank-specifically the Sanctions System, and learned more about the various career options I have post grad.
4. Last but not least, please share something not school or career related!
I am really big into crafts! A few years back, I taught myself embroidery and from there I also picked up tufting. Additionally, I recently started tennis lessons which has been a lot of fun. Still not very good, but it has been very fun learning.