How to Combine Law and AI Without Losing Your Mind feat. Austin Brittenham

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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Interact with You Are A Lawyer


Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. 


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