Since Phoenixâs finances are often shaky thanks to a combination of taking a lot of pro bono cases and having stretches of time where he doesnât take cases at all, and considering thereâs precedent for lawyers in-universe to have a simultaneous second career (see: the Gavinners), I can imagine an AU scenario where he doesnât give up acting to pursue law.
California is one of a few US states in which you donât need a law degree to take the bar exam as long as you apprentice under a practicing attorney for a set period of time (4 years IRL but considering how rushed trials are in AA, I can see that time being shortened) and complete specific study requirements. So it wouldnât be outside the realm of possibility for Phoenix to finish his theatrical arts degree and then do his apprenticeship under Mia.
Once heâs settled in at the office and getting the hang of things, he starts to audition for minor roles in local productions and maybe volunteers at kidsâ acting workshops now and then. Heâs not really interested in âmaking it bigâ or anything; he just doesnât want to throw away one passion for the sake of another. (He will one day be glad he made this call for more practical reasons - after his disbarment when he needs to make a living for both himself and Trucy.)
