10 Best Side Hustles For Lawyers To Make Extra Cash

Earn more money outside billable hours with these lucrative gigs

While being a lawyer is a great way to earn an income, the high cost of a law degree can leave you with significant loans to pay.

It's why there are so many searches for side hustles for lawyers, as many in the legal profession just can't make ends meet.

This is despite the fact that the average pay for a lawyer is $128,000 per year pre-tax and before debt repayments of around $145,5000.

10 Best Side Hustles For Lawyers To Make Extra Cash

While the freedom and flexibility of the gig economy can be appealing to lawyers seeking extra income, it's important to weigh the gig economy pros and cons before diving in.

Lots of professionals make extra money by doing side hustles – things they do outside their primary job that bring in a significant amount of cash.

The gigs include delivering food for companies like Uber Eats, legal transcription, and preparing students for exams on various study websites.

To help you find another source of income, we've curated a list of freelance side hustles that can ease your cash flow problems.

10. Freelance Writing

The average rates that qualified lawyers get paid for freelance legal writing vary between $25 and $35 per hour, potentially higher in legal publications.

An in-depth understanding of challenging and in-demand subjects like the law ensures you’ll be able to find consistent writing work that pays very well.

You can start by creating a professional freelance portfolio of legal work and uploading it to your own website or a freelancing portal like Upwork or Freelancer.

To find clients, write regularly on LinkedIn, covering popular and trending legal topics that attract plenty of views and comments.

Make sure you respond to comments, follow influential figures in industries you want to cover, and comment on their legal writing and articles.

Freelance writing differs from legal transcription which involves typing out a verbatim record of a legal discussion or courtroom proceedings.

9. Public Speaking

The public speaking skills you've developed during your schooling and legal career can be extremely handy in a side gig.

You have the legal skills to conduct research, create presentations, and hold an audience's attention, so why not make money from it on the side?

Hone your public speaking skills by participating in Toastmasters events or giving presentations for free at local gatherings or universities.

Your ability to demand greater fees will increase with experience, and naturally, having a legal degree should boost your credibility.

Public speaking pays particularly well, and beginners can earn between $5,000 and $10,000 per event, with higher fees if they’ve written a book.

8. Tutoring Law Students

Lawyers can provide legal training to aspiring legal professionals in law school or private training programs, influencing the next generation of legal minds.

You can teach law school courses or tutor law students individually, bringing practical legal experience to the classroom and making concepts relatable.

Engaging law students with real-world scenarios and acting as their mentors allows for a deeper understanding, preparing students for successful careers.

Your income will vary depending on your available time to teach, but you can expect to earn $17 to $50 per hour.

By focusing on high-stakes exams like the bar exam, where pass rates are below 50%, you’ll earn more money and attract more students.

Aside from offering your services on the best gig platforms, you can contact law schools and educators to let them know about your tutoring.

7. Mediation

If playing a pivotal role in resolving conflicts outside of court appeals to you, your problem-solving and negotiation skills can net you a sizable fee.

Many clients need lawyers to facilitate discussions before reaching mutually acceptable agreements, saving them both time in court and money.

Your legal background will help all parties to the disagreement understand both sides of the argument and find common ground.

Apart from reducing the burden on the court system by settling disputes early, it is also a lucrative opportunity for you to review legal documents.

Fees for mediation services range from $100 to $300 per hour, depending on experience and complexity, or can be based on a flat fee.

By offering a flat fee package for pre-mediation prep and the mediation itself, you’ll provide a transparent and cost-effective solution for both parties.

To improve your credibility, consider getting certified as a mediator to enhance your reputation and give you the best chance of securing clients.

You’ll need to build a network to secure legal work, especially among businesses or a law firm involved in potentially litigious contracts.

You can also look for Upwork jobs for beginners as the gigs are less competitive and you can gain experience quoting for work.

6. Intellectual Property Consulting

Providing intellectual property (IP) consultancy is a highly specialized and potentially profitable side gig that is ideal for lawyers looking for a side hustle.

Due to increasing patent filings, there is a growing demand for advising companies on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other IP issues.

In a world where safeguarding IP is essential, your legal knowledge can be extremely helpful to customers who want to preserve their inventions.
You might be offering copyright advice, helping businesses trademark their brands, or supporting startups with the patenting of innovative inventions.

The appeal of IP consulting lies in its ability to explore a wide range of sectors, including entertainment and technology.

IP consultancy can be quite profitable as you can charge more for your services because the task is highly specialized.

IP lawyers are the second-highest earners in the legal profession, and you can potentially charge $120 per hour and more for your services.

5. Real Estate Consulting

You can leverage your legal expertise by helping clients with your knowledge of real estate law negotiate property transactions safely.

To protect themselves, clients must consult lawyers on various aspects of property law, from sales and acquisition to zoning regulations.

This means that you can help individuals, investors, and companies make informed real estate decisions while working part-time or on a project basis.

Your fees vary based on project scope and your experience, with a wide range of gig economy jobs offering promising earning potential.

You have the flexibility to charge hourly rates or flat fees depending on the complexity of the transaction and your client’s specific needs.

The average hourly rate for real estate attorneys is around $47, but this varies based on your location and your level of expertise.

The best way to exploit this market is to focus on a specific area of real estate law where you excel.

To find your first clients, build relationships with real estate agents, developers, and investors who can recommend you to their contacts.

The best way to establish your credibility is to write articles or conduct seminars on real estate law that position you as an expert.

4. Contract Drafting And Review

Drafting and reviewing legal documents is a side hustle that's perfect for attorneys since it combines your legal knowledge with a highly sought-after practical skill.

This position entails drafting and examining contracts to make sure they satisfy the client's needs and are compliant with the law.

Many clients, both individuals and small businesses, must turn to professionals for guidance on the complexities of legal contracts as they lack the resources themselves.

By drafting contracts that safeguard the interests of your clients and examining current agreements, you can recommend any required revisions.

This calls for not just legal expertise but also meticulousness and familiarity with the sectors in which your clients operate.

It’s a side gig that has the potential to be very lucrative as you can bill on an hourly basis or on a per-contract basis.

Your earnings will depend on the intricacy of the agreements and contracts as well as your level of experience.

Although rates differ, it's not unusual to make several hundred dollars for a single deal, particularly in the case of high-risk or specialized agreements.

You can find prospective customers through your current network or by creating a website or LinkedIn profile that focuses on your proficiency in contract law.

Drafting and reviewing contracts can be a rewarding and profitable venture if you have a flair for the finer points of legal documentation.

3. Legal Research Services

Providing legal research services is an excellent side gig for attorneys who enjoy delving into the specifics of legal texts and case law.

Due to staffing constraints, many lawyers and legal firms outsource writing reports and conducting research on statutes, case law, and legal precedents.

This side business is ideal for attorneys skilled at conducting in-depth research and clearly communicating complex material.

The ability to work remotely and on a flexible schedule is fantastic since it makes balancing legal work and personal obligations easier.

Legal research services can be quite profitable in terms of earnings as you have the option of billing on an hourly basis or by project.

Rates can differ significantly depending on the intricacy of the work and your degree of experience, but they range from $50 to $200 per hour.

You can start by making a professional profile on gig economy platforms for legal services or freelance websites and offering your services to your contacts.

Networking with other lawyers will help you start providing trustworthy, high-quality research that can result in recommendations and recurring business.

This side gig offers significant cash incentives and keeps you sharp and informed about current legal developments if you are fond of legal research.

2. Legal Consulting

For attorneys, providing legal consultation is the perfect side business since it combines experience, freedom, and financial opportunity.

Your experience and in-depth knowledge of the law qualify you for this career, as it takes more than just learning the law to apply it correctly.

Legal consultation is ideal for balancing other professional commitments, which may be arranged around your current schedule, providing significant flexibility.

In addition to being intellectually engaging, it has significant financial benefits, with the hourly wage ranging from $150 to $500.

Depending on market demand, level of competence, and specialization, you may find that your part-time consulting compares favorably with your full-time income.

Decide on your specialty - something you have a lot of expertise in or are passionate about, such as family law or IP.

Make use of your network, go to professional gatherings, and consider creating a website or blog as an online presence.

Social media is a great tool for marketing your services, especially on business-oriented sites, but you can also create a profile on freelancing platforms.

Learn how to create a freelance portfolio on Upwork or set up the best gigs on Fiverr, as many individuals are looking for help.

Just ensure that you aren't violating a non-compete clause in your employment contract and that you have malpractice insurance.

Lawyers should also consider gig economy insurance to address potential gaps in health coverage, worker's compensation, and other benefits typically associated with traditional employment.

1. Expert Witness Services

Expert witness work can be a profitable side hustle for attorneys, particularly those with specialized legal knowledge and experience in their field.

The amount you can make per hour ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the case and your area of expertise.

As an expert witness, you'll contribute your knowledge to court proceedings and offer assessments that have the potential to significantly affect how cases turn out.

Information analysis, expert report preparation, and courtroom testimony are all part of your job description, so you need to know what you're talking about.

Establishing a reputation in your field of expertise can be achieved by joining expert witness directories and networking with law firms and attorneys.

To demonstrate your experience, consider writing articles or giving speeches at conferences for the legal industry, as this will raise your profile considerably.

This side hustle lets you directly influence legal results with your knowledge and experience, so it's not just about the money.

Legal Industry Trends And Opportunities To Scale

There is little doubt that the phenomenon dubbed "The Great Resignation" is having an impact on a wide range of industries, including the legal sector.

Reports from 2021 showed a 150% increase in job vacancies at law firms compared to pre-crisis levels, even if the market has subsequently calmed down.

A Thomson Reuters research report from 2024 revealed that companies are finding it difficult to rein in costs that have increased due to compensation hikes.

If these issues are not resolved, plans for expansion and growth may become more difficult as firms struggle to meet their financial commitments.

Employers are starting to adjust to these difficulties in acquiring talent by placing greater emphasis on candidates' accomplishments and abilities rather than on conventional indicators.

It emphasizes how crucial it is for businesses to increase efficiency and billable hours by outsourcing legal processes and increasing reliance on technology.

This side hustles for lawyers trend presents an excellent opportunity for lawyers who rely on gigs to pay their bills, especially law school debt.

The skills and experience gained from research or consulting work outside of their usual jobs can count in their favor when applying for gigs.

Where Is the Best Place to Find Side Hustles As a Lawyer?

While finding a side hustle may initially sound attractive, it may not be that easy for you to start if you haven't done it before.

With growth in the gig economy, various websites and portals provide easy access to side hustles for a wide range of jobs.

Some of the best gig economy platforms and resources for lawyers to find side hustle opportunities include:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer
• LinkedIn
• PeoplePerHour
• FlexJobs Corporation
• Guru
• Toptal

You may also be interested in making contact with a like-minded legal professional, in which case the following networks and professional associations can help:

• American Bar Association
• American Association for Justice
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Association of Corporate Counsel
• National Association for Legal Professionals
• American Health Law Association
• American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
• National Association of Consumer Advocates
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Association of Legal Administrators
• Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association
• DUI Defense Lawyers Association
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• National Association of Patent Practitioners
• USLAW Network
• Interlaw
• National Center for State Courts
• National Association of Attorneys General
• National Lawyers Guild

You need to network efficiently to make the best use of these organizations, as advancement in your law career often hinges on who you know.

To make professional contacts, take the time to attend industry events, join online legal communities, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn.

Get involved by offering valuable insights and building genuine connections with your audience by writing articles and commenting on other users' posts.

To raise your profile, become a go-to legal resource by sharing informative content on social media while strictly adhering to ethical guidelines.

Write articles about your area of expertise or host webinars or get-togethers on trending topics that will benefit other members.

Market yourself effectively by developing a strong online presence with a professional website that highlights your experience and includes testimonials. 

The evolving landscape of gig worker law can also impact your experience, so be sure to stay informed about legal classifications and potential implications for taxes and benefits.

How To Boost Your Budget With These Smart Money-Making Ideas

Your legal background is a goldmine for side hustles, so maximize your earning potential by targeting opportunities that align with your skills.

If you excel in contract review, offer freelance services to startups by researching your local market to identify in-demand legal tasks businesses need help with.

Lawyers train in negotiation and mediation, so offer dispute resolution services to help resolve disputes outside of court, saving clients time and money.

While practicing law independently can be complex, you can offer limited guidance on specific topics to businesses or individuals seeking basic legal advice.

Register with the biggest gig economy companies so that you have the best chance of securing gigs that align with your skills and experience.

Set competitive rates by researching freelance lawyer fees on the websites mentioned above while factoring in your experience.

Deliver exceptional client service by communicating clearly, meeting deadlines, and exceeding expectations to build trust, repeat business, and referrals.

Summary

While the prospects for career development in legal practice are varied, it may take a while before you're financially free from your student debt.

Side hustles for lawyers offer the opportunity to improve one's life, whether through the mental challenge of legal research or the artistic release of podcasting.

Accepting these challenges broadens your skill set and adds a new level of excitement to your work while boosting your income each day.