I got an offer to be a consultant on an architectural project for a healthcare facility.  It would have been a nice chunk of extra money.

Compliance department at my current employer said hell no to my request.

I figured they would, but I was hoping.  My supervisor was all for it, but it just wasn't meant to be.

I know, weak rant, so here is a picture of a woman who will never be my girlfriend

In before the flightless bird. Your not-girlfriend is hot.

Were your legally bound to ask your current wagemaster

Take sabbatical.
Do consulting gig
Maybe return from sabbatical, maybe stay on your own and pocket the profits from your work.
Enjoy seeing non-revenue producing lawyers at former company get laid off.

Kinda sorta yes.  

Even though I often use the old "It's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission" routine, I knew this one was very knife edge.  

I developed the Security Construction guidelines for my company (Health Care Facility) that are used at most of our facilities.  I did it while employed here.

I was asked by an architectural firm to do the same thing for another, sort of competing, health care facility.  

If that's not a conflict of interest, I don't really know what one is.

I would much rather make sure I was in the clear before doing something that could get me fired.  I love my job.

I have good taste.  Her name is Caitriona Balfe.