Meet Judge Kane | AKA Legal Amigo, Poet Singer Songslinger + Lawyer for the People

We had the good fortune of connecting with Judge Kane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Judge, why did you pursue a creative career?
I didn’t. For several years. But I eventually chose life. And finally worked up the nerve to share my poetry and music + start making videos about the law. I’ve been a venture backed legal tech startup founder for 10+ years, working to make the legal system more fair… so that’s art, too. But I was still holding back in a lot of ways. I can attest to the well worn wisdom that artists do in fact have to create + fully express ourselves if we want to stay alive. So here I am creating… come what may…

Music was my life in high school, all I ever wanted to do. But I was a straight A student and got into Stanford. Seemed like too big an opportunity to waste. Once I got on that path it was hard to get off. I went to law school after seeing the harsh impact of an unfair system on friends, family and people I grew up with in East LA. I wanted to understand and confront that harshness + be in a position to help them.

So anyway, yeah I put my guitar down for several years. Neglected the artist in me. In reality, I didn’t think I was good enough. But I recently realized it’s not about how good you are, it’s about doing what you love and honoring who you are. Music’s not about if you make it, it’s about if you’re making it. Most artists don’t get any acclaim ever, and it’s all subjective anyway. Everyone who feels called to it should make and share their art. Same for my law videos – I was afraid to express myself, feared nobody would listen… but you do it because you have something to say, what other people do is their business. But people are starting to listen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I say pretty much the same thing across all my projects: the system is designed to oppress but “we the people” do in fact have all the power… it’s up to us when we use it. I also write about love, anxiety and depression cause I think an example of vulnerability is important in today’s world – we’re all dealing with hard things so we may as well talk about it. Yes we’re vulnerable… but we’re also powerful.

My art is super lo-fi. My music is just me and my guitar. No reverb, no splicing takes, no nothing. My law videos are just me talking to the camera. I believe in lo-fi. In a cosmetic world I think people are yearning for it. Blemishes are good. Reminders of our humanity. Simple is good. A reminder of what’s important. It wasn’t an easy journey -I put some serious work into getting to a place where I could speak openly about my struggles and be honest about my views on the legal system (mediation, exercise, healthy diet, confronting childhood trauma, spirituality, journaling, you name it).

Just over 6 years ago, I burned out really badly. It was a beautiful disaster. I was 50 pounds overweight, stressed, working around the clock, high half the time (munchies galore :), angry, depressed, anxious, disconnected from myself and everyone around me. My depression meds made me numb and callous so I could put in long hours… but the world was blurry and lacked color.

I was singularly focused on making my startup a huge success before turning 40. But I almost destroyed myself trying. That was the best thing that ever happened to me cause it brought me back to the real me. After I hit the wall that hard, I was forced to confront myself. When the dust settled, I picked up my guitar and songs came pouring out of me. Didn’t think about it. I got back in touch with my curiosities, motivations and the heart and soul behind everything I do. That’s where our power comes from!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m L.A. born and raised so I’m a great local tour guide. The Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theater are a must, of course! The beach, that goes without saying. Malibu and Manhattan Beach are my favorites. Pretty much any thai restaurant in hollywood or silver lake but The Silver Lake House, Jitlada, Same Same and Holy Basil are my favorites. A Dodgers game. The Venice Canals. Samosa House in Santa Monica or Culver City for some healthy vegetarian Indian food (get the 3 item combo and garlic naan). The Arts District downtown. Everywhere there’s good. Little Tokyo for some sushi. Anima Mundi Apothecary in Venice – tea in the garden on a Sunday after a bike ride on the beach path. The Venice boardwalk, where I spent a lot of time as a kid (it’s the same as it ever was). That’s the itinerary!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – it helped me understand what an artist is, how music gets made, and why I should make it – it made me feel seen and gave me courage to follow my instincts as an artist. Recommend for sure! He’s the master.

Website: https://legalamigo.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judgekanemusic/

Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/3B6JbEYocGHoZU1SiXZ1es?si=M0fRcclsTK2H2pASiBPYgA

https://www.tiktok.com/@legalamigo101