Part-Time Developer for Legal Tech SaaS

Project Overview We're a legal technology SaaS platform that recently launched with first paying customers coming in. We have significant growth opportunities on the horizon and need to ensure our platform is rock-solid before scaling. We're a small, focused dev team - our main developer handles core platform work, and we have a data specialist managing labeling and chunking for our RAG system. We need additional technical support to accelerate bug fixes, create redundancy, and maintain platform quality. The bigger picture: As this platform stabilizes, our main dev will begin building our next larger phase. We need someone who can eventually take ownership of maintaining and enhancing the current platform, allowing our main dev to focus on new product development. What We Need Partner with our main developer to resolve production issues and maintain platform quality. This starts as bug fixing and platform hardening, with clear potential for growth. Initial work (Weeks 1-6): Debug and resolve production issues Pair program with main developer to understand codebase Light UI/UX adjustments and frontend polish Test and QA critical workflows Document fixes and key systems Potential growth path: Gradual handoff of platform maintenance as you prove yourself Start shipping small features on a contract basis Eventually own maintenance and enhancement of this platform while main dev builds next phase Increase to 10-15+ hours/week based on performance and business needs Tech Stack Frontend: React Backend: Node.js, Python Database: Supabase Deployment: Render Additional: Custom RAG implementation The platform handles complex business logic, document generation, payment processing, and multi-step user workflows typical of legal tech applications. Ideal Candidate Required: professional development experience Strong proficiency with React, Node.js, and Python Proven ability to debug production issues efficiently and own platform maintenance Eye for UI/UX details and user experience polish Collaborative working style - comfortable pair programming Available to start within 5-7 days Excellent communication skills Experience with complex, multi-step application workflows Trustworthy and reliable - we're selective about who we work with Capable of eventually owning a platform end-to-end Preferred: Experience with Supabase or similar platforms Document generation and PDF handling experience Startup or early-stage product experience Background in legal tech, compliance, or regulated industries RAG or LLM integration experience Design sensibility for clean, professional interfaces Track record of taking over and maintaining existing platforms Must be: Pragmatic problem-solver focused on working solutions Independent worker who asks good questions Comfortable with startup pace and priorities Low-ego collaborator Detail-oriented and quality-focused Professional and dependable Honest about capabilities - no overstating skills or experience Straightforward with scopes and estimates - no overcomplicating or overcharging Interested in long-term engagement, not just quick gigs What We're NOT Looking For Junior developers requiring mentorship Agencies or dev teams Developers wanting to rebuild the platform Anyone needing detailed specs for every task Inconsistent availability or unreliable communication Developers who rush through work or cut corners People who overstate their capabilities or oversell their experience Developers who overcomplicate simple problems to justify higher rates Anyone looking to turn small fixes into large consulting engagements Developers looking for short-term work only Our Standards & Culture We're picky about who joins our team, but we're not desperate. We move fast and make decisions quickly - that includes adding and subtracting people based on performance and fit. The issue: Having one dev is not smart - too siloed, too risky. We need backup and redundancy, and eventually a proper handoff so our main dev can focus on building our next phase. What we value: Takes pride in their work quality Understands the importance of reliability in legal tech Communicates proactively and clearly Shows up when they say they will Treats our codebase and customers with respect Works well in a small, tight-knit team Honest and straightforward - calls it like it is Keeps things simple and practical Fair pricing that matches the actual work required Thinks long-term, not just task-to-task What we don't tolerate: Overpromising and underdelivering Making simple things complicated Inflating hours or scope Drama or ego Poor communication or excuses We add and subtract fast. If you're great, you'll have more work than you can handle and clear growth opportunity. If you're not, we'll know quickly and move on. If you're looking for quick, easy work where quality doesn't matter - this isn't it. If you're looking to pad hours or overcomplicate things - this isn't it. If you're looking for a one-off gig with no long-term potential - this isn't it. How to Apply Include in your proposal: Your hourly rate (within stated range) Availability - start date and typical weekly hours available Relevant experience - brief example of jumping into an existing codebase to fix critical bugs under pressure Platform ownership experience - have you ever taken over maintenance of an existing platform? How did it go? Why you're trustworthy - what makes you reliable and detail-oriented? Your approach to estimates - how do you avoid overcomplicating or overcharging for straightforward work? Long-term interest - are you looking for ongoing work or just a quick gig? Tech proficiency - rate your experience: React, Node.js, Python, Supabase (scale 1-10) We prioritize: Clear, concise communication Direct experience with our tech stack Collaborative, ego-free approach Proven reliability and professionalism Pragmatic problem-solving Honest, straightforward pricing Long-term mindset Immediate availability Red flags we'll skip: Generic copy-paste proposals Not answering the questions we asked Overpromising or overselling Poor communication in your proposal Proposals that try to upsell us on things we didn't ask for No interest in long-term engagement Interview Process Screening call (15 min) - fit, availability, experience, long-term interest Technical discussion with main developer (30-45 min) - approach to specific issues, collaboration style, platform ownership capability Paid trial (2-4 hours) - collaborative work on actual task to assess quality, communication, and honesty Decision - move to ongoing engagement if successful We take our time finding the right person. Quality over speed. We also decide quickly if something's not working. No hard feelings, just moving on. Goal: Start someone by end of next week. Why This Opportunity Important legal tech solving real problems for real customers Work with a capable, experienced main developer Small, focused team where your work matters Well-architected platform with strong technical foundation Clear growth trajectory as customer base scales Direct input on technical decisions Clear path to platform ownership and increased hours Opportunity to ship features, not just fix bugs Long-term engagement potential as we build next phase Fast decision-making - no corporate bureaucracy Apply tot his job