15 Side Hustles That Won't Get Lawyers in Trouble
The legal profession comes with strict ethical guidelines that can make earning extra income tricky. Just ask Matthew Scott, a Kentucky attorney who got slapped with a $2,000 fine for answering legal questions online during his free time. His case, reported by ABA Journal, shows how easy it is to cross ethical lines when you're just trying to make some extra cash.
But don't let that scare you away from exploring additional income streams. Plenty of side hustles work perfectly within the bounds of legal ethics. Here's what you can do without risking your license or facing disciplinary action.
Academic Opportunities
Teaching Law
Law schools regularly need adjunct instructors for research and writing courses. This is one of the most straightforward side gigs for attorneys since it stays within your area of expertise. Start by reaching out to the career services office at your local law school to check for openings. Don't overlook smaller colleges or unaccredited law schools either – they often have more flexible hiring practices and scheduling options.
Test Prep Tutoring
The bar exam and LSAT create a constant demand for qualified tutors. Law students and aspiring attorneys will pay good money for guidance from someone who's been through the process. Companies that handle SAT and ACT prep are also interested in hiring lawyers with tutoring abilities. The best part? You can usually work around your regular schedule since most tutoring happens evenings and weekends.
Leveraging Your Writing Skills
Freelance Writing and Editing
Lawyers develop exceptional writing and grammar skills through their training. Bloggers, website owners, and small businesses need this expertise for content creation and editing projects. Whether it's polishing blog posts or ghostwriting eBooks, this type of work fits well with solo practitioners or attorneys at smaller firms who have more schedule flexibility.
Legal Research and Writing Services
Some lawyers excel at research and brief writing more than others. If you're one of them, you can offer these services to other attorneys. Law firms often need help with overflow work or specialized research projects. This can be done during off-hours without interfering with your primary job responsibilities.
Media and Public Speaking
Legal Call-In Shows
Broadcasting your legal knowledge through radio or TV shows doesn't generate direct income, but it's excellent marketing. These appearances can attract potential clients to your practice, leading to increased business and higher earnings over time.
Podcast Creation
Starting your own legal podcast takes time to build an audience, but popular shows eventually generate revenue through advertising and sponsorships. The key is consistency and providing valuable content that keeps listeners coming back.
Professional Speaking
Many lawyers develop strong public speaking skills through their courtroom experience. Organizations regularly need speakers for conferences, seminars, and training events. Building your reputation as a speaker takes time, but once established, it can become a reliable income source.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and Arbitration
ADR work is a natural fit for attorneys with strong negotiation skills. You can serve as a neutral third party in various disputes, helping parties reach settlements outside of court. Lawyers with at least 10 years of experience might also consider becoming temporary or small-claims judges, which provides another steady income stream.
Creative and Consulting Work
Sports Officiating
Lawyers' training in fairness and rule interpretation makes them excellent referees. Ed Hochuli, a Phoenix trial attorney, became one of the NFL's most recognizable referees. If you're sports-minded, this could be an exciting way to earn extra money while staying active.
Hollywood Consulting
The entertainment industry frequently consults lawyers for legal-themed movies and TV shows. You can share general legal insights or sell story ideas inspired by your experience – just make sure any stories aren't tied to specific clients to avoid confidentiality issues. The pay for this type of consulting can be quite generous.
App Development
Technology plays an increasingly important role in legal practice. If you have an idea for a useful legal app – like a case management calendar or document organizer – you can work with developers to create it. Once completed, you can sell it through platforms like Google Play or the App Store.
Contract and Temporary Work
Temporary Counsel Services
Law firms regularly hire outside attorneys to handle overflow cases or matters outside their specialty areas. This contract work can provide substantial additional income while expanding your experience in different practice areas.
Per Diem Court Appearances
This might be the simplest way to earn extra money as a lawyer. Firms often need attorneys to make emergency court appearances for routine matters like requesting adjournments. It's most profitable when the courthouse is in your area and you already have cases scheduled there.
Digital Content Creation
Online Course Development
Create educational courses teaching specific legal topics or skills. For example, a criminal defense attorney might develop a course called "Trial Advocacy Fundamentals." Once published, these courses can generate passive income without requiring ongoing time investment.
eBook Publishing
Write and publish books on legal topics or your areas of expertise. Multiple platforms allow you to sell digital books, creating another passive income stream that doesn't interfere with your practice.
Freelance Article Writing
Many legal publications, blogs, and websites need quality content. If you're a skilled writer, this freelance work can provide steady supplemental income. The key is developing relationships with editors and consistently delivering high-quality work.
Making It Work
The common thread among all these opportunities is that they either complement your legal skills or operate completely outside the practice of law. Before starting any side hustle, review your state's ethical rules and consider discussing your plans with colleagues or ethics counsel. What got Matthew Scott in trouble wasn't the idea of earning extra income – it was how he went about it.
With proper planning and attention to ethical boundaries, these side hustles can significantly boost your income without jeopardizing your legal career. Start with one or two that match your interests and schedule, then expand as you get more comfortable managing multiple income streams.
