From Law to Profit: 30 Side Hustles for Lawyers

As a lawyer, there’s no denying that your job demands a great deal of your time and energy. However, you may be interested in pursuing side hustles that can help you earn some extra cash or explore new career paths. Fortunately, there are several opportunities available to lawyers who are looking to supplement their income or gain additional experience.

You don’t need to start a law firm to bring in extra income. In this guide, we’re going over the top 30 side hustles for lawyers – from freelance writing to other side gigs.

Benefits of a Side Hustle

A side hustle is a term used to describe a secondary job or a hobby-based business that generates supplementary income alongside one’s full-time job. It provides many benefits beyond the financial aspect.

For starters, a side gig allows individuals to pursue something they are passionate about. Whether it’s photography, event planning, or freelance writing, having a side hustle is an excellent opportunity to explore one’s interests and make money while doing it. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and can boost self-confidence.

Furthermore, having supplemental income can act as a safety net during economic downturns. It can provide financial support if one loses their full-time job or suffers a pay cut. A side hustle can also lead to more significant career opportunities. It enables you to develop new skills and network with people in different industries. It can serve as a stepping stone towards a full-time career in a particular field or provide a resume booster for future job applications.

In some cases, a side hustle can even provide a sense of purpose and give individuals a chance to give back to their community. Some side hustles include volunteering or working for a non-profit organization. Overall, having a side hustle has numerous benefits and can enhance an individual’s life beyond just financial stability.

30 Best Side Hustles for Lawyers

Looking for ways to generate additional income as a lawyer? Check out these 30 top side hustle ideas to start earning more income.

Freelance Attorney

Freelancing allows attorneys to take on legal projects that match their skills and interests, and they can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a full-time job, freelance attorney opportunities are abundant and growing.

Legal Transcriptionist

Legal transcription requires careful attention to detail, accuracy, and an understanding of legal terminology. It is a perfect fit for those who already possess a law degree or have experience in the legal field.

As a legal transcriptionist, you would be responsible for transcribing audio recordings from clients such as attorneys, judges, and court proceedings.

Adjunct Professor

Teaching as an adjunct professor offers the flexibility that many legal professionals need, and can be a great way to use your law background to educate others. Adjunct professors typically teach classes part-time at local universities or colleges, and may even offer classes online. 

Proofreading

For lawyers who are looking to supplement their income, proofreading can be an ideal side hustle. This is because it allows them to utilize their legal expertise while working from home or on flexible schedules.

Proofreading involves checking written documents for accuracy and clarity. It requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to spot errors quickly. As a lawyer, you would likely be well-suited to proofread legal documents, which can pay well.

Bar Exam and LSAT Tutoring

You can work as a tutor either in-person or online, depending on your preference. This is an excellent way to use your knowledge and experience to help others while also earning extra income. Plus, you choose between tutoring in-person or online.

Create a Legal Blog

Starting a legal blog for lawyers can be an excellent side hustle, as you can provide your expertise on relevant topics and earn money from sponsored posts or ad networks. Use your legal background to analyze current events or educate others about the legal system.

Law School Admissions Counselor

Provide guidance and support to individuals applying to law school. Assist with the application process, personal statements, resume building, and interview preparation to increase their chances of admission.

Public Speaking

Utilize your legal knowledge and public speaking skills to offer workshops, seminars, or training sessions on legal topics. Speak at conferences, community events, or professional organizations to educate and empower audiences with legal information.

Business Startup Consultant

Assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with the legal aspects of starting and running a business. Offer guidance on entity formation, contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and other legal considerations to help businesses succeed.

Real Estate Investing

With the right knowledge and resources, real estate can provide a steady source of passive income while also offering potential tax benefits. Lawyers are well-equipped to take advantage of these opportunities due to their expertise in contract law, research skills, and ability to negotiate favorable deals.

Write a Book

Writing a book is a great way for lawyers to build their credibility in the legal field and make some extra money on the side. A lawyer can write about anything related to the law, from their personal experiences to legal advice. You also have free reign to write about fiction or any topic you please.

Fitness Instructor

Fitness instructors are in high demand as people look to stay in shape and improve their overall health. For lawyers looking to make some extra money on the side, becoming a fitness instructor can be a great way to supplement their income while also staying active.

Legal Career Coaching

Legal career coaching helps aspiring lawyers evaluate their goals, create action plans to achieve them, and explore new kinds of job opportunities within the legal field. You can offer guidance to help other attorneys build skills such as networking, interviewing, writing resumes, negotiating salaries, and more.

Resume Writing

Assist young professionals looking to launch their legal careers by helping them create professional resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

Start a Podcast

As an attorney, you can use your knowledge and experience to provide insight into legal topics that would be of interest to your listeners. You can have guests on the show or discuss topics in depth, giving your audience valuable insights into the legal system.

Home Organization Services

As a lawyer, you may find that you have an eye for detail and an affinity for organization. This makes home organization services a great side hustle for lawyers looking to make a little extra money. Home organization services involve helping clients organize their homes by decluttering, sorting, downsizing, or reorganizing their space to help them maximize the efficiency and aesthetic of their living areas.

Notary

As a notary, you are an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and verify the identity of the signer(s). You will also be responsible for taking an oath or affirmation from the signer(s) and affixing your signature and seal on the document. This service is often needed for legal paperwork – and could benefit from your expertise.

E-commerce Store

By opening an e-commerce store, attorneys can take advantage of the growing demand for online shopping. Plus, having a law degree gives lawyers a unique insight into the world of business that many other entrepreneurs may not possess.

Contract Review and Drafting

Contract review and drafting is a worthwhile side hustle for lawyers. This type of legal work involves reviewing, analyzing, revising, and creating contracts on behalf of individuals or businesses. Contracts can cover a variety of topics, from employment agreements to purchase orders and more.

Gardening or Landscaping Services

Lawyers with a green thumb may find that offering gardening and landscaping services as a side hustle can be a rewarding as well as a profitable hobby. Being able to offer these services puts you in contact with a whole new range of clients who are looking for help with their gardens or yard.

Photographer

Not only can photography be a creative outlet, but it also has the potential to become a profitable business venture. With the right equipment and some basic knowledge of photography, lawyers can use their skills to capture stunning images of nature, landscapes, portraits, weddings, and more.

Online Course Creation

Legal professionals can leverage their expertise to create and launch an online course. With an ever-growing number of students turning to online courses to gain new skills, creating a course in a specialized area of law, the LSAT, or Bar Exam topics can be a great way for lawyers to make additional income.

Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

For those who love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a great way to make extra money. Since lawyers are often in high demand during the weekdays, pet sitting and dog walking can be a great side hustle to pick up on weekends. Pet owners often appreciate having someone reliable and knowledgeable about animal care when they can’t be there.

Open a Franchise

Lawyers often have to juggle multiple cases and clients, leaving little time for anything else. But that doesn’t mean they can’t expand their career opportunities. Opening a franchise business as a side hustle is one-way lawyers can diversify their income streams and gain additional experience in the business world.

Music Lessons

As a music teacher, you can teach students of all ages and skill levels, allowing you to work with a variety of clients. Plus, teaching music lessons is a great way to share your passion for music with others and help them develop their skills.

Language Tutor

Language tutoring offers flexible hours that can fit into a lawyer’s busy schedule, and the pay is competitive. Language tutors use their knowledge to help others learn the language of their choice in either individual or group sessions.

Start a Youtube Channel

By creating videos about topics relevant to the legal profession, you can provide valuable information and insight to viewers. This is a great way to build an audience and become an authority in your field.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate is an excellent side hustle for attorneys because it allows them to use their knowledge of the law to help people. Lawyer-turned-real estate agents can guide clients through the complex process of buying or selling a home, making sure they understand all legal contracts involved and protecting their interests.

Offer Mediation Services

Lawyers are often looked up to for their expertise in resolving conflicts, and offering mediation services can be a great way for lawyers to earn additional income. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where an impartial third-party mediator helps two or more parties come to an agreement on a dispute. By offering mediation services, lawyers can use their legal knowledge and skills to help resolve disputes outside the court.

Create and Sell Digital Products

Whether it’s e-books, stock photos, website templates, or graphic design elements, creating and selling digital products can provide passive income. You can set up an online store or leverage existing platforms like Etsy.

Tips for Lawyers Looking for a Side Hustle

Here are some tips for lawyers looking for a side hustle:

1. Consider Your Strengths and Passions

Your side hustle should be something that you enjoy and are good at. Think about what skills you have acquired through your legal profession or other experiences, and consider how those skills can be applied in a different context. For example, if you are a skilled communicator and enjoy teaching, you may consider tutoring or teaching courses online.

2. Network with Other Professionals

As a lawyer, you likely have a vast network of professional contacts. Reach out to them and let them know that you are interested in a side hustle. They may be able to offer you some opportunities or connect you with someone who is looking for legal services.

3. Choose a Side Hustle that is Flexible

A side hustle should not interfere with your regular job responsibilities, so it is important to choose something that you can do on your own time. Look for opportunities that allow you to work remotely or on a flexible schedule.

4. Don’t be Afraid to Try Something New

Your side hustle does not have to be related to the legal profession. Consider trying something new, like starting a blog or selling products online. The important thing is to find something that you enjoy and can help achieve your financial goals.

Start an LLC for Your Side Hustle

Are you looking to turn your side hustle into a legitimate business? If so, starting an LLC (Limited Liability Company) might be the best choice for you. Beyond helping you establish legal credibility, an LLC offers several advantages when it comes to protecting your personal assets and finances.

One of the main reasons to consider an LLC is that it helps separate your personal assets from those of your business. You’ll limit your personal liability and protect your personal assets from being seized in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy.

Plus, starting an LLC doesn’t have to be complicated. With doola, you can register your new business online in just a few simple steps. Plus you’ll be able to access a number of small business resources – from bookkeeping to small business banking to tax tools to keep your new income stream organized. Learn more about small business tools with doola here!

FAQs