Tech & Legal Research Assistant

Volunteer: Tech & Legal Research Assistant (STEM + Legal Empowerment Project)

About the Role
The I Heard Foundation is a New Jersey–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering youth and system-impacted communities through technology, education, and legal empowerment. We already have two NJIT student developers actively contributing to this initiative, and we’re now expanding our team with additional volunteers in both technology and law to strengthen the project.

We’re building and researching our Legal Empowerment Case Comparison Platform — a public-access tool designed to make criminal and immigration case law easier for everyone to understand.

This role is perfect for students interested in technology, law, or social impact who want hands-on experience applying their skills to real community innovation. You’ll collaborate on tasks like researching legal materials, helping simplify complex case data, and improving the platform’s usability.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in developing and improving our legal case comparison platform.

Conduct legal research and organize case data related to criminal and immigration law.

Collaborate with our development team (including NJIT volunteers) to test and refine platform features.

Help launch our Community STEM Program — setting up lab equipment, planning workshops, and mentoring youth on robotics, coding, and 3D printing.

Participate in brainstorming sessions to identify new ways to make legal and technical education accessible to underserved communities.

Skills You’ll Gain

Real-world experience in legal research, database organization, and web development.

Exposure to STEM education, nonprofit operations, and civic tech innovation.

Collaboration and leadership skills through project-based teamwork.

A portfolio-worthy experience that merges law, data, and technology for impact.

Who We’re Looking For

Students studying Computer Science, Law, Criminal Justice, Political Science, or STEM fields.

Open-minded, curious learners who want to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

No prior professional experience required — just a willingness to learn and contribute.

Perks & Benefits

Gain hands-on experience and mentorship from a growing nonprofit organization.

Build real projects that can help your career or academic portfolio.

Potential for future paid opportunities as the foundation secures funding.

Flexible remote work or hybrid participation options available.

Location: Hybrid (New Jersey-based; remote participation available)
Compensation: Volunteer (potential for paid positions as funding grows)
Work Authorization: Open to all students
Time Commitment: Flexible scheduling around classes

Why Join Us?

This is more than volunteering — it’s a chance to help design a tool that empowers people to understand the law and build technology that creates opportunity. At The I Heard Foundation, we believe learning should feel like innovation — and we’re inviting the next generation of changemakers to help us build it.