12 Small Business Ideas For Attorneys
Interested in starting a business as an attorneys in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as an attorneys could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Attorneys?
We put together 23 of some of the best attorneys business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other attorneys businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a consulting business ($147K/month)
Starting a consulting business could be an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to diversify their income and leverage their legal expertise in new ways. Consulting businesses are booming, with the global industry valued at around $250 billion and seeing consistent year-over-year growth. This thriving market presents a promising avenue for entrepreneurial attorneys who want to share their specialized knowledge and insights with a broader audience.
As an attorney, you possess a deep understanding of legal systems, regulatory compliance, and risk management, which are valuable assets many businesses are willing to pay a premium for. By starting a consulting business, you could offer tailored advice to companies, helping them navigate complex legal landscapes or improve their compliance strategies. Reading about the entrepreneurial journeys of successful consultants can provide you with valuable insights into how to launch and grow your own consulting practice, ensuring you make informed decisions along the way.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
2. Start a law firm ($1.04M/month)
Starting a law firm offers an intriguing path to entrepreneurship within the high-stakes field of legal practice. By founding your own firm, you could leverage your expertise in areas like corporate law, family law, or criminal defense to provide sought-after legal advice and representation to a diverse clientele. The consistent demand for legal services ensures a substantial potential for business growth and financial success.
A law firm is a profound endeavor, requiring not only legal qualifications but also a commitment to ongoing education and skill enhancement. Networking and building strong client relationships will be pivotal strategies for growing your practice. By choosing this path, you're not merely starting a business; you’re embarking on a mission to uphold justice and make a significant impact in your clients' lives.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
A Texas law firm founded on the premise of extreme preparation and relentless advocacy for its clients captured tens of millions of dollars of market share per year as it grew from a boutique firm with a scrappy reputation to dominating the competitive Texas legal market.
3. Start a legal consulting business ($208K/month)
Starting a legal consulting business could be a lucrative and fulfilling venture for attorneys looking to supplement their income or transition into a side business. By leveraging your legal expertise, you could offer services to corporations, startups, governmental bodies, and individuals who require specialized guidance on various legal matters. This opportunity allows you to utilize your existing skills while reaching a broader client base, often leading to higher earning potential.
Legal consulting is particularly attractive during the legal industry's current growth phase, providing a promising market for your services. Establishing an online presence is crucial; by writing high-quality content, you could build your reputation and attract a steady stream of clients. Considering that the role involves substantial writing and client interaction, your experience as a registered advocate could set you up for success in this promising field.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This husband and wife duo started a wedding consultancy agency, 'Getting Married in Denmark', which has gone from doing 5-10 weddings a month to 80-100 weddings a month in just 4 years, massively growing their revenue.
4. Become an IT consultant ($27.4K/month)
As an attorney with a keen understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance, you could leverage your knowledge to offer specialized IT consulting services. By focusing on the legal aspects of IT systems, such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property, you could help businesses navigate complex legal landscapes while ensuring their IT infrastructure aligns with business objectives.
In addition to your legal expertise, if you have an interest or background in technology, you could further distinguish yourself by diagnosing IT infrastructures and designing tailored solutions that address both technical and legal challenges. This combination of skills could make you an invaluable asset to companies seeking to mitigate risks and ensure their technology operations are both legally sound and efficient.
How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
5. Become a business law consultant ($518K/month)
Becoming a business law consultant could be a lucrative side business or main venture for attorneys. Offering services such as contract reviews, compliance auditing, and legal risk assessments allows you to help businesses navigate complex regulations and avoid costly legal pitfalls. With your specialized knowledge and skills, you could address the growing demand for these services in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
This endeavor could allow you to build a reputation as an indispensable advisor, ensuring companies stay ahead of legal challenges. Not only would this provide an additional income stream, but it would also increase your professional impact and network. As businesses continuously seek legal expertise to thrive in a competitive landscape, your role as a business law consultant could become critical to their success.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
6. Start a marketing coaching business ($69.6K/month)
If you’re an attorney with a knack for effective communication and strategic thinking, starting a marketing coaching business could be a perfect side venture. You could leverage your expertise in crafting persuasive arguments and understanding nuanced regulations to help businesses sharpen their messaging and refine their marketing strategies.
Your legal background equips you with a unique ability to analyze market trends and navigate complex business landscapes, making you an invaluable resource for companies seeking tailored marketing plans that resonate with their target audiences. With no large upfront investment required, you could begin by offering one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, or even online courses.
This entrepreneurial endeavor not only supplements your income but also allows you to make a meaningful impact by empowering companies to achieve their growth goals. If you’re passionate about marketing and helping others succeed, a marketing coaching business could be both financially and emotionally rewarding. Start leveraging your legal skills in a new, dynamic way today.
How much you can make: $350 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.
7. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)
Starting a startup instructing business could be a natural extension of your legal expertise as an attorney. Leveraging your knowledge in business law, contracts, and regulatory compliance, you could provide invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs and small businesses navigating the complexities of starting their ventures. Your ability to offer sound legal advice combined with strategic business planning could position you as a trusted advisor in the startup community.
You could begin this venture on a modest budget by identifying your areas of expertise and the specific industries you want to serve. A simple website or active social media profiles could be enough to start showcasing your services and attracting clients. Offering affordable rates initially, you could build a strong reputation and client base through referrals and positive feedback from satisfied customers.
By supplementing your income or even transitioning to a side business, you would not only diversify your professional activities but also contribute to the success of budding entrepreneurs. The startup instructing business could be a rewarding way to utilize your skills and knowledge outside of traditional legal practice.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.
8. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)
As an attorney, venturing into the realm of B2B lead generation could present a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or even establish a new business venture. B2B lead generation leverages your analytical skills, attention to detail, and relationship-building prowess to identify and connect potential business clients with companies seeking new deals. Given the high demand for quality leads, your expertise could prove invaluable in a field that supports the growth of other businesses.
The ability to navigate complex information and make persuasive arguments makes you uniquely suited for the research and cold outreach components of lead generation. By establishing a robust pipeline of potential clients through a combination of technology tools and keen strategic insight, you could offer a service that mitigates a common pain point for many companies. The scalability and continual need for high-quality leads in the business world make this venture not only financially rewarding but also sustainably impactful.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
9. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
As an attorney with a keen sense of interpersonal skills and business acumen, starting a lead generation service could be a lucrative venture. Leveraging your expertise in client relationships and negotiation, you could excel at identifying and attracting potential customers for various companies. This business involves creating strategic campaigns and using tools to capture interest, converting it into actionable leads, which is crucial in today's competitive market.
Your analytical mindset and attention to detail can enhance your effectiveness in digital marketing and data analysis, offering high-quality leads to businesses. By channeling your legal skills into this entrepreneurial endeavor, you could build a reliable side business that not only supplements your income but also directly influences the success of your clients. If the idea of helping businesses grow while enjoying a steady revenue stream appeals to you, a lead generation service might just be the ideal path.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
10. Start a financial service business ($372K/month)
Starting a financial service business could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income as an attorney. Given your deep understanding of law, you can effectively navigate complex financial regulations and provide sound financial advice. This could include services like investing, retirement planning, tax preparation, and budgeting.
Your legal background and potential certifications or degrees in finance will help build trust and credibility with your clients, essential for any financial service business. Plus, your skillset in problem-solving and attention to detail can ensure that you offer personalized and effective financial solutions. By delving into the financial world, you could make a significant positive impact on your clients' financial health while creating an additional revenue stream for yourself.
How much you can make: $11,500 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
ConnectionPoint's founder and CEO, Daryl Hatton, shares his experience of launching an enterprise-class crowdfunding-as-a-service platform that has helped almost 200,000 projects in 40+ countries raise over $200 million, and offers valuable insights on taking a focused approach to growth and pivoting the business to solve customer problems.
11. Start a health and wellness consulting business ($148K/month)
As an attorney, starting a health and wellness consulting business presents an intriguing opportunity to diversify your income and make a positive impact on others' lives. You could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to craft personalized wellness plans, helping clients improve their nutrition, physical activity, and stress management techniques. The ability to offer structured and systematic advice would position you as a credible source in a growing market eager for expert guidance in maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Moreover, this venture allows you to step away from the often stressful environment of legal practice and engage in a more holistic and fulfilling line of work. By obtaining the necessary certifications and committing to continuous learning, you could build a reputation for excellence in the health and wellness field. This side business not only supplements your income but also enriches your professional life, offering a balanced counterpoint to the demands of practicing law.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
12. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Starting an SEO and lead generation service could significantly supplement your income as an attorney. By leveraging your analytical and research skills, you could help businesses attract and convert prospects into loyal customers. With the demand for digital marketing services on the rise, your expertise in SEO and lead generation can make you a valuable asset to law firms and other industries seeking to improve their online presence.
Additionally, learning the fundamentals of lead generation and gaining experience in digital marketing areas could open up new entrepreneurial avenues for you. This side business could not only provide substantial extra income but also position you as an expert in a highly marketable skillset. Balancing your legal practice with this digital service venture could diversify your professional portfolio and increase your financial stability.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
13. Start an ecommerce management software ($536K/month)
As an attorney, you could leverage your analytical skills and legal acumen to dive into the burgeoning field of ecommerce management software. By creating a platform that streamlines inventory management, sales tracking, and customer interactions, you could provide a critical tool to online retailers, helping them save time and reduce operational errors. This venture can capitalize on the high demand for efficient ecommerce solutions and open avenues for supplemental income or a full-scale business transition.
Moreover, your legal expertise could afford you the edge of incorporating compliance and regulatory features into your software, making it particularly appealing to businesses looking to adhere to legal standards without the usual hassle. While developing such a comprehensive tool requires a good understanding of ecommerce processes and technical prowess in software development, the investment could yield significant returns, positioning you as a key player in the ecommerce ecosystem.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.
14. Start a fitness and wellness programs business ($64.7K/month)
Starting a fitness and wellness programs business could be a great way for you as an attorney to supplement your income or even create a new primary business. This venture allows you to blend physical fitness with mental wellbeing, offering a variety of fitness classes, nutritional advice, and wellness practices like meditation and yoga to your clientele. You could cater to individuals, small groups, and even corporate clients looking to improve employee wellness.
The holistic approach of integrating both body and mind is not just about exercise but creating a balanced lifestyle, which many clients find appealing. With effective marketing strategies and personalized programs, you could attract a loyal client base who value a healthier, balanced lifestyle. Utilizing social media to build a community and share engaging content could further enhance your reach, enabling you to foster a healthier community while enjoying the entrepreneurial journey.
How much you can make: $250 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
15. Start a media company ($210K/month)
As an attorney, starting a media company presents a unique opportunity to leverage your legal expertise while supplementing your income or eventually transitioning to an entirely new business. By creating and publishing high-quality, legally-informed content, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in your insights on current legal trends, landmark cases, or practical advice for navigating everyday legal concerns. This could extend into various forms such as blog posts, podcasts, or even video series, broadening your reach and impact.
To get started, you should identify a target audience – such as small business owners, aspiring lawyers, or individuals needing legal guidance – and tailor content that speaks directly to their needs and interests. It's essential to ensure your content distribution platform, whether a website, YouTube channel, or podcast network, is easily accessible and user-friendly to maximize engagement and sharing.
By focusing on the quality of both content and platform, you could create a reputable media presence that enhances your professional reputation while opening up additional revenue streams through advertising, sponsorships, or paid membership models.
How much you can make: $150 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
16. Start a jukebox business
Starting a jukebox business could be an innovative way for an attorney to supplement their income. Given your understanding of contracts, negotiations, and local ordinances, you could efficiently manage agreements with venues such as bars, restaurants, and social clubs, ensuring your jukeboxes are well-placed and profitable.
Additionally, your analytical skills would be invaluable in researching and selecting the best locations and maintaining reliable, profitable relationships with vendors and clients. As a side business, this venture could provide a steady stream of passive income, allowing you to leverage your expertise in law while exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the entertainment industry.
17. Start a metals refining business
As an attorney, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail by starting a metals refining business. This venture involves extracting valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum from scrap materials, which can be a lucrative side business or even a primary business if scaled properly.
Given your expertise in understanding regulations and contracts, you would be well-equipped to navigate the compliance and legal aspects of the industry, ensuring that your business operations adhere to environmental and trade laws. Additionally, your network of professional contacts could help you secure trustworthy suppliers and buyers, further enhancing the profitability and sustainability of your metals refining enterprise.
18. Start a beverages business ($1.79M/month)
As an attorney, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to start a beverages business as a side venture. Whether you choose to create and market your own unique drinks or distribute popular brands, your keen understanding of contracts and negotiations will be invaluable in securing favorable terms with suppliers, distributors, and retail partners.
Additionally, your knowledge of regulatory compliance will ensure that your beverages meet all legal standards, reducing the risk of costly fines and legal issues. This entrepreneurial endeavor allows you to diversify your income, explore your creativity, and engage with a different market segment while still utilizing your core professional skills.
How much you can make: $500 — $12,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
19. Start an online directory ($146K/month)
As an attorney, starting an online directory can supplement your income and offer a scalable side business. You could create a specialized directory that focuses on legal services, connecting consumers with trusted attorneys and law firms in various niches like family law, corporate law, or personal injury.
Given your understanding of the legal landscape and network of professional contacts, you could curate high-quality listings and offer added value by incorporating reviews, detailed profiles, and perhaps even articles or resources about various legal topics. The recurring revenue model, where businesses pay to be listed either monthly or annually, offers stable income potential that grows as more firms recognize the value of your directory.
Building and maintaining this directory will require effort in promotion and ensuring it remains user-friendly, but your professional expertise and connections will provide a strong foundation. If you have a knack for organization and enjoy helping people find the services they need, this venture could be both rewarding and financially fruitful.
How much you can make: $1,661 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
20. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm could make perfect sense for an entrepreneurial attorney. With your strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of property law, you might find this venture both lucrative and intellectually rewarding. You could leverage your legal expertise to navigate complex contracts, zoning laws, and real estate regulations, giving you a competitive edge in the market.
Real estate offers a robust profit potential through property appreciation and rental income, allowing you to build wealth over time. Your background would also be advantageous in assessing the legal viability of potential investments, managing tenant agreements, and handling any disputes that arise. By blending your legal acumen with strategic market research and property management, you could find impressive financial success and diversification in this dynamic industry.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
21. Start a niche newsletter ($38.1K/month)
Starting a niche newsletter could be a highly rewarding side business for an entrepreneurial attorney. By leveraging your legal expertise, you could create a newsletter that delves into specific legal topics—whether it's emerging tech law, real estate regulations, or updates on intellectual property. Your audience could range from other legal professionals seeking specialized knowledge to businesses needing regular updates to stay compliant.
The demand for high-quality, focused content is strong, and people are willing to pay for information that helps them make informed decisions or enhances their professional capabilities. With consistent research, writing, and marketing efforts, you could not only supplement your income but also build a loyal subscriber base. Sponsorships and advertisements could further monetize this venture, making it financially sustainable and personally fulfilling.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,055 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.
22. Start a business coaching ($391K/month)
Starting a business coaching service could be an excellent way for you as an attorney to supplement your income or transition into a new venture. By leveraging your expertise in leadership development, productivity, and market strategies, you could provide invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs, managers, and other business professionals navigating complex challenges.
Your role would involve conducting one-on-one sessions, developing customized plans, and holding clients accountable for their progress. This not only positions you as a trusted advisor but also allows you to expand your professional network and enhance your business acumen. With the demand for skilled business coaches on the rise, this venture promises both personal satisfaction and financial gain, enabling you to make a significant impact while achieving your own professional growth.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MentorCruise is a career coaching marketplace generating $24k MRR and processing $1M annually for mentors, with most traffic and sales coming from SEO and organic sources, currently looking to expand to the B2B market.
23. Start a healthy beverage business ($16.1K/month)
As an attorney with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a healthy beverage business presents a unique way to supplement your income or create a new venture. The growing market of health-conscious consumers opens up possibilities for offering high-quality, natural drinks like antioxidant-packed teas and revitalizing smoothies. This venture not only allows for creative expression but also taps into an expanding market with promising returns.
With your legal expertise, navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards should be straightforward, giving you a competitive edge. Additionally, your professional network can be leveraged for branding and marketing, distinguishing your product in a crowded marketplace. Utilizing social media and participating in local health events can further elevate your brand, making this an exciting and viable business opportunity.
How much you can make: $500 — $75,000/month
How long does it take to build: 140 days (?)
How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
