In the midst of the high-profile trial of former President Donald Trump in New York City, professional line-standers are reaping the benefits of the increasing public curiosity surrounding the proceedings. While line-standing services have long been a part of the gig economy, the Trump trial has created a surge in demand for individuals seeking to secure coveted seats inside the courtroom.

One Bay Area mom, Paige Singh, went to great lengths to witness the trial firsthand. Accompanying her husband on a business trip, she relied on a professional line-stander hired as a Mother's Day gift to hold her spot outside the Manhattan criminal courthouse. Singh even adjusted her travel plans to attend additional trial days, demonstrating the extent to which people are willing to pay for this unique experience.

Robert Samuels, the owner of Same Ole Line Dudes, New York's Premier Professional Line Sitting Company, has seen a significant increase in demand for his services. In response, he has doubled his prices, expanded his pool of standers, and even postponed watching his favorite shows to meet the growing demand from individuals seeking to witness history in the making.

The trial's general public appeal has prompted ordinary Americans, including lawyers, self-proclaimed political junkies, and media outlets, to hire professional line-sitters at unprecedented rates. For some, the opportunity to observe star witness testimony, such as that of Trump's former "fixer" Michael Cohen, was worth a hefty price tag. One woman, desperate to secure entry after unsuccessful attempts, paid $750 for someone to hold her spot in line overnight.

The emergence of professional line-standers at the Trump trial has been a new experience for Samuels, who is accustomed to serving clients with specific professional needs, like lawyers and media outlets at other high-profile trials. The increased demand has led him to not only raise his rates but also to address the security risks that come with waiting for a trial of this magnitude.

However, not all is smooth sailing in the line-standing industry. Reports of scuffles and disputes between paid line-standers and civilians have occurred during the overnight hours. Samuels blamed this on unauthorized individuals hoping to profit by purchasing spots from others already in line. He expressed concern that such behavior tarnishes the reputation of an already controversial industry.

Professional line-standing has faced scrutiny, particularly in Washington, where critics argue that the wealthy and powerful should not be allowed to skip the line. The Supreme Court, for example, strictly prohibits the use of line-standers in the queue for members of the Supreme Court Bar. Despite such criticisms, the practice continues to persist, with policies often overlooked or flouted.

While professional line-standers dominate much of the queue at the Manhattan courthouse during the Trump trial, there are also courageous individuals, like 70-year-old retiree Jim Neely from Pennsylvania, who opt to wait in line themselves. Regardless of the method chosen, people are eager to seize the opportunity to be part of this historic trial.

As the demand for professional line-standing services remains high, it is clear that the Trump trial has become an unexpected windfall for those in the industry. Whether it's the allure of witnessing a former president on trial or the limited seating capacity, people are willing to pay a premium to secure a seat in the courtroom and be a part of this extraordinary experience.