Thoughts about hiring for research projects?

[Outlaw]

Hey guys, thought I'd ask the opinion of my fellow TPF'ers on this project.

I have some research projects that I need done for my company and for some clients, and was looking at 'hiring' high school seniors, or college grads returning here for the summer, for little single or two-day jobs, 9-5. I also have a couple of local school teachers who have asked me about summertime work.

I know the specific legalities are myriad, complicated, and assuredly will land me in the fires of hell or at least prison. I'm much more concerned with the actual practice, not the hoops I should jump through.

That said, any street-smart thoughts on this process? My goal is to give them an outline of work I want done/research gathered, a simple timeline, let them do it, present a report to me at the end of the day, then I pay them for the day's work. End of relationship, unless I like their work and bring them in to do another project as needed.

Also, if I have someone who is 16 or 17 do this, can I treat them the same as if I had them mow my lawn?

My goal is to experiment with putting some money back into my community, while of course, getting these research projects done without my complete attention.

All advice and anecdotes warmly welcomed!