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> I don't even hire people who don't work on side projects.

And there, folks, lays one of the reasons why the IT industry is so broken.

"Are you a lawyer? Nice! We are looking for lawyers! Show me your side projects... Wait, no side projects? Next!"

Nonsense.

Why is that nonsense? If I'm looking to hire a lawyer I would want to know what pro bono work they've done in the past. In fact, this is all but required by the American Bar Association. It's for altruism, sure, but it's also an opportunity to understand more about them. Whether they're really passionate, etc.

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