Since Phoenix’s finances are often shaky thanks to a combination of taking a lot of pro bono cases and having stretches of time where he doesn’t take cases at all, and considering there’s precedent for lawyers in-universe to have a simultaneous second career (see: the Gavinners), I can imagine an AU scenario where he doesn’t give up acting to pursue law.
California is one of a few US states in which you don’t 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 wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility for Phoenix to finish his theatrical arts degree and then do his apprenticeship under Mia.
Once he’s 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 kids’ acting workshops now and then. He’s not really interested in ‘making it big’ or anything; he just doesn’t 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.)
