An Indianapolis attorney who once billed $180 a month on Fiverr now tops $40,000, serving small‑business owners from both Dallas and Mexico City.
When the courts closed in early 2020, junior litigator Derrick Morgan Jr. saw his paychecks shrink. A cousin’s last‑minute request for trademark help pushed him to try Fiverr, and, almost overnight, he discovered a nationwide market for budget‑friendly legal filings.
How a pandemic slowdown nudged attorney Derrick Morgan into online trademark work
Morgan’s first listing on the freelance platform earned just $180—barely enough for his phone bill. Still, it proved two things: entrepreneurs needed affordable trademark guidance, and they valued a lawyer who spoke plain English. Who wouldn’t give that a second shot? By his third month online, his take‑home hit $5,000; by month four, it doubled again. Below, some Morgan’s early Fiverr earnings:
| Month on platform | Gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $180 |
| 2 | $–––n/a |
| 3 | $5,000 |
| 4 | $10,000 |
The quick jump convinced him to scale. Strong reviews propelled him to Fiverr’s Top Rated tier, signaling trust to future clients—and opening the door to premium pricing.
Growing demand and five‑star reviews turned a modest gig into major income
Word of mouth soon outpaced the marketplace. Today Morgan processes trademarks assembly‑line style, charging $600 – $800 per filing while keeping overhead lean with a paralegal and an online assistant. Need proof the gig economy still pays? His trademark shop is on track for $500,000 in 2025, allowing him to draw a personal salary topping $350,000.
Consistent systems mean Morgan can file multiple applications a day without sacrificing accuracy—crucial for first‑time business owners who fear steep legal fees.
Living between Dallas and Mexico City keeps expenses low and freedom high
Morgan splits his time between Texas and a walkable Mexico City neighborhood packed with late‑night taco stands. Lower rent abroad lets him reinvest nearly 40 % of earnings, aiming for financial independence by age 45. “It’s not just about piling up cash,” he says. “It’s about having the option to do what I want, when I want.”
Back in the United States, clients still see him as the approachable lawyer who “meets them where they are.” After all, whether he’s answering messages from a Dallas coffee shop or a CDMX rooftop, the trademark paperwork lands in the same federal database.
A stalled courtroom calendar could have stalled Morgan’s career. Instead, he turned a $180 freelance experiment into a six‑figure enterprise that travels with him. For professionals eyeing a side hustle, his story offers a timely reminder: the right niche, responsive service, and strategic cost of living choices can transform a gig into a thriving remote business.