In a well-documented trend, legal professionals, including lawyers and other industry stakeholders, are increasingly engaging in side jobs outside their primary roles. The rise in these alternative pursuits, often referred to as ‘side hustles’, is influenced by factors such as increased expenses and shifting cultural norms within the workplace. In recent times, these side gigs have diversified into areas as diverse as social media influencing, tech development, and even cocktail mixology.
However, balancing the rigors of Big Law with these emerging occupations isn’t without its unique set of challenges. These hurdles can range from time management difficulties to potential conflicts of interest conflicts. Additionally, some professionals express fear about jeopardizing their thriving legal practices.
Yet, this trend towards secondary vocations is unlikely to wane any time soon, with many professionals using them as outlets for creative expression, supplemental income sources and opportunities to explore novel interests. Alan Barinholtz, a legal professional, encapsulated the movement’s spirit, advising professionals to not take themselves too seriously and to pursue what they love. His insights, along with many others, are explored further in an article published by the American Lawyer.