Anon, it’s going to sound like I’m lying to you, but I promise I am not.

Between Ace Attorney 3: Trials and Tribulations, and the next game, Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice, 7 years pass.

For these seven years, Phoenix Wright is disbarred due to having submitted false evidence, and instead of working as a lawyer he plays piano in a jazz club as a front for being an illegal cards gambler.

In Apollo Justice we see him appear disbarred, with the hoodie and beanie. This time during Phoenix’s life is often referred to in the fandom as “hobo Nick” or “beanix.”