Austin Brittenham is a first-generation lawyer, legal tech founder, and the creator of 2nd Chair, an AI-powered tool designed to help solo and small firm lawyers work faster and smarter. In this episode, Austin and Kyla talk about space law, law school culture, and what it really means to use your legal education creatively. From debating in high school to launching two startups, Austin proves that you don’t have to follow the traditional legal path to make a meaningful impact.
Lawyer Side Hustles
Austin’s side hustle is now his full-time gig. He founded 2nd Chair while still in law school and used his background in AI and education startups to build something lawyers actually need. The tool creates litigation timelines, drafts legal materials, and helps lawyers save time and serve more clients. But it’s not just about software, it’s about increasing access to justice and making legal practice more sustainable.
“We can distribute more justice, we can serve more people—or just have more vacation,” expresses Austin Brittenham in Episode 200 of You Are a Lawyer.Austin’s story reminds us that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to mean abandoning the law. It can mean expanding it, reimagining it, and making it more human. 2nd Chair exists because Austin saw a gap in the system and took the risk to build something better.
LISTEN TO LEARN
- How Austin built 2nd Chair to support small firm lawyers
- The difference between legal knowledge and legal value
- How to take career risks using your law degree as a safety net
WE ALSO DISCUSS
- The pros and cons of legal tech adoption across generations
- Austin’s detour into space law and education startups
- Why volunteering and community work can shape your legal future
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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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