Building a Portfolio Career in Law: Balancing Multiple Roles

May 28, 2025

When you hear the word portfolio, you may get a slightly sick feeling as you think of your violently see-sawing 401K, IRA or other investments. But just like in the stock market, diversification can help you to guard against risks in your career.

With the legal profession undergoing a transformation like the rest of the economy, the traditional path of working full-time at a single law firm or corporate legal department is no longer the only option you have as a legal professional. And while of course, freelancing can have its drawbacks compared to a more traditional full-time job, it also has its advantages. In addition to diversifying your career risk and not being dependent on one firm or employer for your income, this approach offers more flexibility, better control over workload, and the opportunity to explore a variety of interests. 

Building and balancing a portfolio career comes with challenges. It requires some planning, good time management, and the ability to market your skills across different avenues of legal work. Whether you're seeking more autonomy, transitioning out of traditional practice, or just expanding your expertise, here are 5 key strategies to help you navigate a portfolio career path successfully.
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  1. Define your core skills and services. Identify your strongest practice areas and what you can realistically offer in a freelance or part-time capacity. Are you an excellent legal researcher? Experienced in document review? Determining your niche will make it easier to sell yourself in multiple areas in the industry. 

  1. Stay organized and set boundaries. When juggling multiple clients or roles, boundaries are essential. Define your working hours for each position and communicate them clearly. Use separate email accounts or calendars to help maintain focus and avoid confusion between jobs. The more organized you can stay, the better! 

  1. Know your limits. A portfolio career doesn’t mean saying yes to every opportunity. Be selective and aim for roles that align with your expertise and long-term goals. It’s also important not to overwork yourself and risk submitting subpar work.  

  1. Maintain a strong professional network. Referrals and collaborations are the lifeblood of a portfolio career. Regularly attend legal networking events (virtual or in-person), stay active on LinkedIn, and consider joining professional associations or freelance legal platforms like ours.

  1. Keep your skills sharp and credentials current. Stay up to date on CLE requirements, legal tech trends, and changes in your practice areas. 

Choosing to build a legal portfolio career can be a beneficial, strategic choice that leads to a more fulfilling and sustainable practice. With careful planning and a commitment to ongoing development, lawyers and paralegals can thrive in a multi-faceted legal career!