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Volunteer Legal Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Kimberly, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Kimberly, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Appleton, WI

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Micronesian Legal Services Corporation

GU · On-site

We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers, interns, and pro bono attorneys. This is an excellent ... Conduct legal research on issues such as family law, civil rights, environmental law, and access to ...

PSI

Legal Assistant

Kimberly, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Kimberly, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Kimberly, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Appleton, WI

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Appleton, WI

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

Kimberly, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

PSI

Legal Assistant

New Franken, WI · On-site

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools. * Ability to maintain ... Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) * Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

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All JobsVolunteer Legal Researcher Jobs

Volunteer Legal Researcher information

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$76.5K

$139.4K

$225K

How much do volunteer legal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer legal researcher in the United States is $139,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Volunteer Legal Researchers typically collaborate with attorneys and other team members during a project?

Volunteer Legal Researchers often work closely with attorneys, paralegals, and sometimes other volunteers to support ongoing cases or legal initiatives. Communication is key, as researchers regularly share their findings, draft memos, and respond to feedback from supervising lawyers. Team meetings or check-ins are common, ensuring that everyone stays aligned on priorities and deadlines. This collaborative structure not only enhances the quality of research but also provides valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities for volunteers.

What are Volunteer Legal Researchers?

Volunteer Legal Researchers are individuals who offer their time and expertise to assist legal professionals, organizations, or advocacy groups with legal research tasks without receiving monetary compensation. Their responsibilities often include analyzing case law, reviewing statutes, preparing legal documents, and summarizing findings to support ongoing cases or policy initiatives. This role is ideal for law students, recent graduates, or anyone seeking practical experience in the legal field while contributing to meaningful causes. Volunteer Legal Researchers often help organizations that may not have the resources to hire full-time legal staff. Their work can be crucial in advancing legal projects and promoting access to justice.

What is the difference between Volunteer Legal Researcher vs Legal Intern?

AspectVolunteer Legal ResearcherLegal Intern
Required CredentialsUsually no formal credentials, but some legal knowledge helpfulOften law students or recent graduates, may require enrollment in law school
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, legal aid societies, or community groupsLaw firms, government agencies, or legal departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofit and advocacy sectorsCommon in legal practice settings and internships for students
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer legal roles and opportunitiesExploring legal internship options and experience

While both roles involve legal research, Volunteer Legal Researchers typically work in nonprofit or community settings without formal credentials, focusing on supporting legal causes. Legal Interns are usually law students or recent graduates gaining practical experience in law firms or agencies. The main difference lies in the work environment and credential requirements, with Volunteer Legal Researchers often volunteering and Legal Interns participating in structured internships.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Legal Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, legal research proficiency, and a foundational understanding of legal concepts, often supported by enrollment in or completion of a law degree. Familiarity with legal databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or government archives is typically required. Attention to detail, strong written communication, and a collaborative mindset are valuable soft skills in this position. Mastery of these skills ensures accurate, thorough research that supports legal teams and contributes to effective case preparation.
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Legal Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Legal Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Legal Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Legal Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Legal Researcher jobs include:
Volunteer Legal Researcher jobs near you

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

Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID)

Remote

Other

Posted 19 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