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Legal Research Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fremont Bank

Legal Research Processor

Livermore, CA

$30.50 - $34.50/hr

Direct communication with levying officers and government agencies as needed when effectuating a levy and to follow-up on levy status * Research legal inquiries from internal departments, branches ...

Fremont Bank

Legal Research Processor

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$30.50 - $34.50/hr

Direct communication with levying officers and government agencies as needed when effectuating a levy and to follow-up on levy status * Research legal inquiries from internal departments, branches ...

United Woundcare Institute

Legal Intern

Naperville, IL ยท Remote

As a legal intern, you will work closely with our general counsel and compliance officer and gain ... research on health law, employment, privacy, corporate and M&A issues. ยท Participate in and ...

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Legal Research Officer information

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$51K

$82.2K

$132.5K

How much do legal research officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal research officer in the United States is $82,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Legal Research Officer vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal Research OfficerParalegal
Required CredentialsLegal degree or equivalent, research experienceAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, legal departmentsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal research, policy analysis, case preparationDrafting documents, case management, client communication
Common Search & ComparisonLegal Research Officer vs Paralegal

Legal Research Officers focus on conducting detailed legal research and analysis, often requiring a legal degree. Paralegals assist with case preparation, document drafting, and client support, typically with a paralegal certification. Both roles work within legal environments but serve different functions in the legal process.

What are Legal Research Officers?

Legal Research Officers are professionals who conduct thorough legal research, analyze laws, regulations, and case precedents, and assist lawyers or legal teams in preparing cases or legal documents. They play a crucial role in ensuring all legal arguments are supported by accurate and up-to-date information. Their work often includes drafting legal memos, summarizing findings, and advising on the implications of legal developments. Legal Research Officers are commonly employed by law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.

How does a Legal Research Officer typically collaborate with lawyers and other team members on case preparation?

Legal Research Officers play a vital support role in legal teams by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing legal precedents, statutes, and case law to assist lawyers in developing arguments and strategies. They frequently work closely with attorneys, paralegals, and subject matter experts to ensure research aligns with case objectives and deadlines. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss findings, clarify research needs, and adjust priorities based on case developments. This teamwork enhances the accuracy and depth of legal arguments, making strong communication skills essential for success in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legal Research Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Research Officer, you need strong analytical skills, in-depth legal knowledge, and a law degree or equivalent legal qualification. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and proficiency in legal citation tools are typically required. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for presenting clear findings and supporting legal arguments. These abilities ensure accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness in providing legal insights that inform case strategies and policy decisions.
More about Legal Research Officer jobs
What states have the most Legal Research Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Research Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legal Research Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Research Officer jobs are:
Legal Research Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Research Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,212 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/Emerging Tech)

Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID)

Remote

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE
Role title: Legal Research Officer (Climate Change/ Emerging Technologies)
Role nature: Volunteer
Location: Canada; Toronto, ON, Canada; Montreal, QC, Canada; United States; New York, NY, United States (Home-based)
The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.
This position is only for Legal Scholars and experienced Legal Researchers.
The candidates for this VOLUNTARY, unpaid role should possess the required knowledge about climate change-related legislation and affinity with distributed ledger technologies, but also be motivated to accomplish BCI's mission.
Able to develop rigorous methodologies for legal research projects, candidates are expected to conduct independent legal research and analyses, as well as engage key stakeholders, including legislators, regulators, lawyers, and policymakers, to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the BCI's core mission. With support from Members of the Regulatory Reform Working Group and under the guidance of the Head of Legal Research, Legal Research Officers are given opportunities to publish research papers and produce briefing materials for the consumption of partner governments. Principal/Senior Legal Research Officers will also be assigned to draft speeches and/or deliver presentations on behalf of the BCI at external conferences.
The standard time commitment for all BCI roles is, on average, one day per week to be flexibly spread across the week.
Responsibilities:
  • To provide research support on topics around legislation or regulation regarding international climate and environment-related treaties, etc.
  • To engage relevant stakeholders in the change and sustainability policy space for developing strategic partnerships or collaboration opportunities
  • To communicate BCI's research findings and insights at international conferences or high-level events

Requirements
Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
  • Purpose-driven professional, with a passion for climate justice, innovation, and complex systems
  • Fluency in one of these languages is desirable
    • Arabic
    • Chinese
    • French
    • Russian
    • Spanish

General & Specialist Knowledge
  • Strong in-depth knowledge of the following topics:
    • Big data (security)
    • Climate change
    • UNFCCC processes
    • Public international laws related to climate change and the environment
  • Basic understanding of the functioning of
    • Distributed ledger technology
    • Token economy
    • Smart contracts
    • Crypto-assets
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Lexis Nexis
  • Familiarity with academic and referencing tools such as Mendeley

Education & Training
  • A degree in law is required
  • A master's degree in one of the following fields is highly desirable:
    • International Environmental Law
    • Climate Policy
    • Information Technology Law

Relevant Experience
  • Proven ability to conduct (academic) research in the fields of international environmental law, climate change policy, and/or Internet/Technology law (desirable)
  • Proven experience working independently and collaboratively in a team to drive forward projects using his/her own initiative
  • Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Law firm/start-up experience is not required, but is desirable

Benefits
Blockchain and other emerging technologies, as well as climate change and sustainability, are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. One of the most important aspects of BCI's mission is to support legislators and policymakers to create an enabling environment for the adoption of distributed ledger technologies. To that end, this opportunity will deepen BCI's legal research on the interaction between existing legal frameworks and innovative technologies.
The benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and include:
  • You will refine existing skills or acquire new ones, including legal research, presentation, writing, and professional etiquette
  • Your mind will be engaged, providing you with a fulfilling sense of purpose
  • You will enhance and elevate your professional trajectory by building meaningful connections, gaining practical experience at the convergence of climate and emerging technologies
  • You will cultivate enduring professional relationships with individuals united in their mission to improve the world and will establish close connections in the nonprofit sector

Selection Process
As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI's policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.
Section A:
Verbal and numerical reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section B:
Situation judgement test (20 multiple-choice questions)
Section C:
In-tray exercise (an open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)
Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.

Apply