Many lawyers feel trapped between long hours and stagnant salaries.
Even with a full-time legal job, rising living costs and student loans can create constant financial stress.
This guide offers a clear way out. Below, you’ll find 25 practical side hustles for lawyers that fit around your schedule, use your skills, and boost your income—without putting your legal career at risk.
Why Side Hustles Make Sense for Lawyers Today
Lawyers are uniquely positioned to earn outside their day jobs—thanks to strong research, writing, negotiation, and advisory skills. Whether you’re a solo attorney, in-house counsel, or associate at a large firm, there are options that match your availability and financial goals.
Top reasons lawyers start side hustles:
- Pay off law school debt faster
- Build passive income streams
- Reduce reliance on firm bonuses
- Prepare for future career shifts
- Explore interests outside of law
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle as a Lawyer
Before starting, ask yourself:
- How much time can I realistically spare each week?
- Does this conflict with my current employment or bar ethics?
- Do I want active income (hourly or project-based) or passive income (recurring revenue)?
- Do I want to use my legal skills or try something different?
To help, here’s a quick comparison table:
| Hustle Type | Startup Cost | Time Required | Legal Skill Use | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal consulting | Low | Medium | Yes | Medium |
| Blogging | Low | High (initial) | Optional | High |
| Online tutoring | Low | Medium | Yes | High |
| Rental property | High | Low | No | Medium |
| Freelance writing | Low | Medium | Yes | High |
Passive Side Hustles for Lawyers
Passive income ideas require setup but can bring recurring revenue.
1. Sell Legal Templates Online
Create and sell contract templates on platforms like Gumroad or Etsy.
- Best for: Corporate, contract, and IP lawyers
- Average income: $500–$5,000/month
- Tools needed: Canva, Word, PDF converter
2. Teach Online Courses
Build a law-related course for business owners, paralegals, or students on Udemy or Teachable.
- Best for: Lawyers with niche knowledge
- Effort: High upfront, then low maintenance
- Potential: $2,000+/course (depending on niche)
3. Invest in Real Estate Crowdfunding
Use platforms like Fundrise or RealtyMogul to invest passively.
- Start with: $10–$1,000
- Return: 6%–10% average annual ROI
- Bonus: No property management needed
Service-Based Side Hustles Using Legal Skills
These ideas directly use your training and experience.
4. Freelance Legal Writing
Write articles for law firms, legal tech blogs, or bar associations. Use platforms like Upwork or pitch directly.
- Rate: $150–$500/article
- Topics: Compliance, regulation, legal trends
5. Legal Research for Small Firms
Offer case research or memo writing for solos and small firms who outsource.
- Time-friendly: Nights or weekends
- Good for: Newer lawyers or those in transition
6. Online Legal Tutoring
Help students prepare for the LSAT, bar exam, or law school admissions through Wyzant or Varsity Tutors.
- Rate: $40–$100/hour
- Bonus: Flexible and virtual
Creative & Non-Legal Side Hustles for Lawyers
Sometimes, Side Hustles for Lawyers are the best income streams that come from outside law.
7. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
Cover law school tips, legal myths, or financial planning for lawyers. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
- Time required: High at first
- ROI: Long-term passive income
- Platform options: WordPress, Substack, YouTube
8. Career Coaching for Law Students
Guide new grads or aspiring lawyers on job search, bar prep, and early career choices.
- Format: 1-on-1 sessions or group webinars
- Charge: $75–$250/hour depending on niche
9. Ghostwrite Legal Content for Others
Many lawyers want a personal brand but don’t have time to write. Offer ghostwriting for blog posts, LinkedIn, or newsletters.
Side Hustles with Flexible Weekend Hours
These fit into a busy lawyer’s schedule without draining energy.
10. Virtual Notary Services
Offer online notarization via platforms like Notarize.com, depending on your state.
- Requirements: Jurisdiction-specific
- Rate: $25–$75 per session
11. Adjunct Professor or Lecturer
Teach a class at a community college or law school.
- Commitment: 1 evening/week
- Pay: $2,000–$5,000 per course
Great — let’s continue with the next sections of the blog.
Side Hustles Based on Your Legal Specialty
Matching your side hustle to your legal background can make it faster to get started and easier to monetize.
12. Corporate Lawyers: M&A Consulting
Advise startups or small businesses on due diligence, contracts, and structure.
- How to start: Use Toptal or connect with founders on LinkedIn
- Bonus: Short-term retainers or one-off reviews
13. Family Lawyers: Divorce Coaching
Help individuals understand legal options before hiring full representation.
- Method: Virtual sessions, workshops, or digital guides
- Average income: $75–$200/hour
14. Criminal Defense Lawyers: Rights Education
Offer community webinars or online videos explaining local legal rights.
- Platforms: YouTube, Patreon, Eventbrite
- Good for: Building local presence or non-profit outreach
15. Intellectual Property Lawyers: Brand Protection Audits
Audit small businesses’ trademarks, copyrights, and licensing.
- Low cost setup: Just a laptop and templates
- Income range: $300–$1,500/project
Online Side Gigs for Lawyers With Digital Skills
The internet offers low-cost, high-reach opportunities.
16. Affiliate Marketing for Legal Tools
Promote law-related software (like Clio or Rocket Lawyer) and earn commissions.
- Start with: Blog, newsletter, or YouTube channel
- Tip: Disclose affiliate links clearly
17. Create a Paid Newsletter
Use platforms like Substack or Beehiiv to offer weekly legal content, templates, or commentary.
- Audience: Legal professionals or small business owners
- Monetization: Subscriptions, sponsored mentions
18. Legal Tech Consulting
Help startups in legal tech understand the regulatory environment, privacy laws, or contract logic.
- Best for: Tech-savvy lawyers
- Example: Advising a contract automation app or AI legal platform
Offline Side Hustles for In-Person Income
These can work well if you enjoy client interaction and local visibility.
19. Mediation Services
Trained mediators can assist with family, business, or workplace disputes.
- Average fee: $100–$400 per session
- Training: May require certification depending on region
20. Contract Review for Freelancers
Offer flat-fee reviews of client contracts for designers, marketers, and consultants.
21. Estate Planning Workshops
Host free or low-cost sessions and offer paid services afterward.
- Tools needed: Zoom, email list, PowerPoint
- Great for: Building leads and community trust
Scalable Business Ideas for Long-Term Income
These ideas grow over time and can become full businesses.
22. Build a Niche Legal Product
Examples: Bar exam prep app, CLE course platform, or solo lawyer toolkit.
- Tech help: Partner with a developer
- Revenue model: Subscription or one-time purchase
23. Publish a Book or Guide
Self-publish a legal guide, memoir, or professional playbook.
- Platform options: Amazon KDP, Gumroad
- Add-on: Offer templates or bonus materials for email signups
Low-Effort, High-Flexibility Side Hustles
If you’re short on time but want extra income:
24. Review Contracts on Freelance Sites
Log in during your free hours and pick up quick reviews.
25. Answer Legal Questions on Q&A Sites
Join platforms like JustAnswer or Avvo to earn per question.
- Payout: Depends on volume
- Time: Flexible, fits into gaps in your schedule
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best side hustles for lawyers?
Some of the best include contract writing, online tutoring, course creation, and freelance legal work.
Can lawyers make passive income legally?
Yes, through legal templates, online courses, or real estate investing—without violating ethics rules.
How much can lawyers earn from side hustles?
Anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a month, depending on time and niche.
Are there ethical issues with lawyer side hustles?
Yes—check your local bar’s rules on advertising, conflicts of interest, and moonlighting.
What is a good online side hustle for lawyers?
Blogging, legal writing, affiliate marketing, and virtual notary services are top online choices.
Where can I sell legal templates?
Try Etsy, Gumroad, your own site, or niche marketplaces focused on small businesses.
Why should lawyers start a side hustle?
Extra income, skill development, career freedom, and financial security are key reasons.
How much time do lawyer side hustles take?
Anywhere from 2 to 10 hours a week depending on the hustle and setup.
Will starting a side hustle affect my law job?
It shouldn’t, as long as it doesn’t conflict with your employer’s policies or bar rules.
How can I market my side hustle as a lawyer?
Use LinkedIn, niche directories, local events, email lists, or create a personal website.
Conclusion
Lawyers don’t need to wait for raises or promotions to increase their income. From passive products to hands-on services, these 25 side hustles for lawyers offer real options to take control of your financial future—without giving up your current career.
What’s next?
Pick one idea and set aside just one hour this week to start. Small steps today lead to freedom tomorrow.
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David Rooy is a finance writer and market analyst specializing in business, investing, and market news. He delivers clear, actionable insights to help readers stay informed and make smarter financial decisions.
