Realistic side gigs to keep you from eating instant ramen every night
Law school is costly, but side hustles can ease the burden. This article explores creative, flexible, and profitable jobs law students can take on to earn extra money, build skills, and even sneak in study time.
Let’s be honest: law school costs… a lot.
In 2025, the average cost of law school tuition was $46,029 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative. And that figure doesn’t even include living expenses, which are—well—necessary for living.
So you eat ramen seven days a week, put your latte on a payment plan, and accessorize with the free Westlaw swag.
But not anymore!
There are realistic side gigs that actually fit your schedule, build real-life skills, and let you look your landlord in the eye when rent is due.
Pop-up campus notary
What it is: Become a notary and run “notary hours” near the library or student center.
Why it works: Students constantly need notarizations (think internship forms, housing documents)
How to start:
- Begin by checking your state’s notary requirements—this usually includes a fee, a bond, and often a short exam or training.
- Once you’re commissioned, offer quick walk-ups, accept mobile payments, and keep a detailed logbook.
- Market your services with flyers around the law school.
What to charge: Most states specify a maximum fee per signature or notarial act (often around $5–$15 depending on where you’re licensed), so you can charge up to—but not exceed—that amount. In a few states, there’s no set fee, giving you more flexibility—but always check the official notary fee schedule for your jurisdiction before setting rates.
Mock juror or focus group note-taker
What it is: Sit in on mock trials or focus groups for personal injury and criminal defense firms, either as a juror or as the person taking detailed notes.
Why it works: It’s short-term, pays quickly, and gives you insight into trial strategies.
How to start:
- Contact local firms that do plaintiff’s work or trial consulting.
- Join online “mock juror” research panels in your city.
- Watch law-school listservs where firms sometimes post participant calls.
What to charge: Flat fees of $50–$150 per session are common; notetaking gigs can pay more ($20–$30/hour).
Public records request specialist
What it is: Draft and track public records requests for journalists, nonprofits, private individuals, or student organizations. You’re not giving legal advice—just handling the paperwork and follow-up.
Why it works: It’s admin-heavy work most people hate (or can’t figure out), but you’re good at deadlines and bureaucracy.
How to start:
- Learn your state’s public records act (or FOIA.gov for federal requests).
- Offer a package: draft request + track deadlines + follow up when agencies stall.
- Market to campus journalists, professors, or local nonprofits.
What to charge: Flat fee ($50–$150 per request) or small retainers for ongoing projects.
1L skills coach
What it is: Offer study sessions, outline frameworks, and even motivational talks to newer students.
Why it works: 1Ls are desperate for strategies. You already survived your first year.
How to start:
- Clear it with your school’s policies.
- Build a “1L survival packet” (sample outlines, IRAC tips, etc.).
- Market to incoming students via orientation, student groups, or flyers.
What to charge: Group workshops ($10–$20 per student per session) or $40–$75/hour for one-on-one coaching.
Pet-sitting & dog-walking circuit
What it is: Look after pets for professors, classmates, or neighbors.
Why it works: Flexible hours, guaranteed demand, and you get dog cuddles as stress relief.
How to start:
- Join Rover/Wag or post in local community groups.
- Offer exam-week specials for fellow students.
What to charge: $15–$25 per walk; $30–$60/day for pet-sitting.
Campus move-out reseller
What it is: Collect discarded furniture, mini-fridges, and bikes (from law students and undergrads) at semester’s end, then resell them online.
Why it works: Students toss perfectly good stuff when moving. You turn trash into cash.
How to start:
- Grab items during move-out weekends (with permission).
- List on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or Poshmark.
- Store in a garage/storage unit until fall rush.
What to charge: Depends on the item—check listings for similar items.
Virtual assistant
What it is: Handle administrative tasks (emails, scheduling, light research) for small business owners remotely.
Why it works: The silver lining of the pandemic is that hiring remote workers is commonplace. Plus, the work is flexible, pays well, and builds organizational skills.
How to start:
- Join freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr) or pitch directly.
- Search job postings (LinkedIn is a good resource).
- Highlight your reliability and research skills.
What to charge: $15–$30/hour, depending on client and task complexity.
Help undergrads get into law school
What it is: Offer coaching to undergraduates applying to law school—personal statement feedback, LSAT study strategies, and application timeline planning.
Why it works: You’re just a step ahead in the process and know what works (and what doesn’t).
How to start:
- Market to undergrads through pre-law societies, career centers, or flyers.
- Offer package deals (statement edits + mock interviews).
- Be clear: you’re giving guidance, not guaranteeing admission.
What to charge: $50–$150 per personal statement package; hourly rates ($30–$60) for coaching sessions.
Westlaw/Lexis campus representative
What it is: Work as a student rep promoting legal research platforms (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg) to your peers.
Why it works: Flexible hours, networking perks, and free merch.
How to start:
- Check Westlaw/Lexis job boards for student rep postings.
- Apply directly through recruiters.
- Be enthusiastic and available at tabling events.
What to charge: Typically $15–$20/hour, plus bonuses and swag.
Exam week snack hustle
What it is: Stockpile snacks and sell grab-and-go “exam kits” (chips, granola bars, coffee pods, Advil).
Why it works: Students will pay extra at 2 a.m. to avoid leaving the library.
How to start:
- Buy bulk at Costco/Sam’s Club.
- Package small kits in Ziplocs.
- Sell in-person or via Venmo ordering.
What to charge: $5–$10 per kit, depending on contents.
Law school podcast host
What it is: Create a podcast interviewing professors, alumni, or classmates about legal careers and law school survival.
Why it works: Sponsors love niche audiences, and you build your brand.
How to start:
- Record with free software (Audacity, Riverside).
- Publish to Spotify/Apple.
- Promote via school channels.
What to charge: Ad revenue + sponsorships (start small—$25–$50 per episode).
Fitness/yoga instruction for law students
What it is: Lead group fitness or yoga classes tailored for stressed law students.
Why it works: Stress relief + community = high demand.
How to start:
- Get certified (cheap online certifications exist, though prior experience is probably necessary).
- Host weekly sessions in a common room or park.
- Charge per session or offer a semester pass.
What to charge: $10 per class per student; group rates for 5–10 students.
Ride-share “legal shuttle”
What it is: Most law students don’t have their own vehicle. If you do, you can drive fellow students to externships, clerkships, or courthouses that aren’t on bus routes.
Why it works: Saves classmates time; you earn cash.
How to start:
- Sign up with Uber/Lyft.
- Market directly for fixed-route rides to internships.
What to charge: Standard ride-share rates; or flat $10–$15 per courthouse trip.
If you’re using your personal car to operate as an informal “shuttle,” check your insurance policy. Most personal auto policies exclude coverage if you’re driving for business purposes without proper ride-share coverage. If you get into an accident while charging for rides, your insurance may deny the claim. Stick to official ride-share platforms (which provide supplemental coverage) or confirm your insurer allows occasional paid rides.
Restaurant server/bartender
What it is: Classic food service work—waiting tables or tending bar at a local restaurant.
Why it works: Flexible hours (especially evenings/weekends), fast cash in tips, and some employers are happy to work around your class schedule.
How to start:
- Apply at restaurants near campus (where staff turnover is high and students are often hired).
- Highlight availability during peak hours (evenings, weekends).
- Some states require food handler or alcohol server permits—check your local requirements.
What to charge: Servers and bartenders often earn $15–$30/hour including tips, sometimes more at busy spots.
Nighttime security guard
What it is: Work as an overnight or off-hours security guard for a dorm, office building, or library.
Why it works: These shifts are usually quiet—you’re mostly there to keep an eye on things—so you can spend time studying while getting paid.
How to start:
- Apply with campus security, local security companies, or temp agencies.
- Look for “unarmed” guard positions that don’t require additional certifications.
What to charge: $15–$25/hour depending on location and employer. Overnight shifts sometimes pay a premium.
Donating plasma
What it is: Plasma donation centers pay you to donate plasma, which is used for medical treatments and research.
Why it works: It’s flexible, requires little skill, and you can often bring notes to read while you wait.
How to start:
- Find an FDA-licensed plasma donation center near you (e.g., CSL Plasma, BioLife).
- Meet eligibility (age, weight, health check).
What to charge: Centers typically pay $30–$60 per donation, and you can often donate twice a week. Some centers offer sign-up bonuses.
Plasma donation isn’t a long-term financial plan—it’s more of an occasional cash boost. Some students report fatigue afterward, so schedule around busy study weeks.
Nanny for a newborn
What it is: Provide childcare for infants while parents are at work or running errands. Since newborns sleep a lot, you may have long stretches of downtime to study while the baby naps.
Why it works: Parents love hiring reliable law students, and the job can give you hours of relatively quiet study time in exchange for steady pay.
How to start:
- Post on school job boards, Care.com, or local parenting Facebook groups.
- Get CPR/first-aid certified to increase trust and marketability.
- Be upfront about your availability (evenings, weekends, or daytime blocks between classes).
What to charge: Rates vary by city, but $15–$25/hour is typical for one child. In higher-cost areas, you might earn $30/hour or more.
Side hustles won’t pay off your student loans overnight, but the right gig can help cover rent, coffee, and maybe even an upgrade from instant ramen. More importantly, they can give you flexibility, skills, and the occasional quiet hour to study.
Looking for more ways to survive (and thrive) in law school? Check out the Enjuris Student Center.