In an ever-evolving legal landscape, the notion of side gigs is emerging as a valuable strategy for personal and professional growth among attorneys. Despite the demanding nature of a legal career, where weekly working hours often extend well beyond the standard 40-hour week, the pursuit of side hustles can yield unexpected benefits. This perspective is shared by Rob Chesnut, a consultant on legal and ethical issues and former Airbnb general counsel, who notes the multifaceted advantages a side hustle can present.
Chesnut recounts his own journey, beginning with a part-time teaching role at a university while he was a federal prosecutor. This endeavor not only supplemented his income but also enriched his legal skills through teaching and interaction with forensic science experts. The unexpected joy it brought highlighted the dual nature of side hustles—they can be both rewarding and enlightening.
A hobby that Chesnut initially pursued for personal balance—photography—ended up reshaping his career trajectory. Learning photography led him to the burgeoning eBay platform, which ultimately became the avenue through which he transitioned from prosecution to tech law. His experience underscores how side gigs can facilitate dramatic career pivots.
The variety of side hustles embraced by legal professionals is notable. From a colleague who traded litigation for a food cart business, to attorneys who hone their public speaking skills through stand-up comedy, the options are vast. Chesnut underscores the potential for personal satisfaction and creativity that these variants offer, and highlights pathways such as book-writing that have been tread by well-known authors like Scott Turow and John Grisham.
Beyond personal development, side gigs can also enhance one’s legal career. They can serve as test beds for a career shift, as evidenced by a personal injury lawyer Chesnut knows who successfully transitioned into business immigration. Such ventures can also provide informal networking opportunities, potentially expanding a lawyer’s professional practice.
It is crucial, however, for attorneys to navigate these pursuits with caution, ensuring that their primary professional responsibilities remain the focus. Familiarity with one’s firm’s code of ethics regarding outside activities is paramount to maintaining ethical compliance.
While not every side job will translate directly into legal practice, their value can extend far beyond billable hours. Whether coaching a sports team, engaging in nonprofit work, or other extracurricular activities, the underlying opportunity is in the enrichment and diversification of one’s professional and personal life. As Chesnut articulates, side hustles aren’t merely about financial gain—they’re about broadening horizons and finding joy outside the confines of traditional legal work.
The original article discussing these insights in detail can be accessed here.