How much does a Law Clerk make?
Law Clerks play a vital role in supporting lawyers in their work. They handle research, drafting documents, and managing case files. The salary for Law Clerks varies based on experience and location. Most Law Clerks earn between $32,098 and $48,591 per year. The average yearly salary for a Law Clerk is about $61,234.
Here are some factors that can affect a Law Clerk's salary:
- Experience: More experienced Law Clerks usually earn higher salaries.
- Location: Law Clerks in larger cities often earn more due to higher costs of living.
- Type of employer: Working for a large law firm might offer a higher salary compared to smaller firms.
- Specialization: Law Clerks with expertise in certain areas of law can earn more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Law Clerk?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $92,752
Work in the nation's capital can offer unique experiences. With many federal agencies and law firms, opportunities abound. Close to major political hubs, this city provides a dynamic environment.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,090
San Francisco is a tech and legal hub. Many top firms seek clerks here. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $87,664
In Lansing, you'll find a mix of government and private law. The city's focus on public service offers a stable environment. Working here can lead to various legal opportunities.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $79,291
Houston is a major business center. The city's strong economy offers diverse legal work. Clerks here can gain valuable experience quickly.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $78,976
Indianapolis is known for its friendly people and strong industries. The city has many law firms looking for clerks. It's a great place for career growth.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $74,175
Los Angeles offers a vibrant legal market. The city's diverse population means varied legal challenges. Clerks here can develop strong skills.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $73,840
Minneapolis is known for its clean streets and friendly folks. The city has a strong legal sector. Clerks here enjoy a good work-life balance.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $73,039
Pittsburgh offers a mix of urban and small-town feel. The city has a thriving legal community. Clerks here can benefit from mentorship.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $71,817
Boston is rich in history and legal heritage. Many prestigious firms call this city home. Clerks here can learn from experienced lawyers.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $70,579
Columbus is a growing city with a strong legal market. The city offers a supportive environment. Clerks here can gain practical experience.
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What are the best companies a Law Clerk can work for?

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United States Courts
Average Salary: $122,309
United States Courts offers competitive salaries for Law Clerks. They have multiple locations across the country, including Washington D.C., and offer various job opportunities. Law Clerks here get to work on significant cases and have the chance to learn from experienced judges.
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CACI International Inc
Average Salary: $90,562
CACI International Inc provides a solid average salary for Law Clerks. They operate in several locations, including Arlington, Virginia. This company offers a dynamic work environment where Law Clerks can develop their skills and take on challenging projects.
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Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP
Average Salary: $81,538
Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP has locations in Rochester, Minnesota, and offers a good salary for Law Clerks. The company provides a collaborative environment where clerks can gain practical experience and work on diverse legal matters.
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FSA
Average Salary: $81,536
FSA, with offices in Kansas City, Missouri, offers Law Clerks a solid salary. They provide a supportive work environment where clerks can engage in varied legal work, gaining valuable experience and skills.
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Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts
Average Salary: $77,373
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts offers a good salary for Law Clerks. They operate primarily in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Clerks here can work on significant legal projects and gain valuable insights into the judicial system.
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Hooks Meng & Clement, PLLC.
Average Salary: $67,375
Hooks Meng & Clement, PLLC., located in Nashville, Tennessee, provides a competitive salary for Law Clerks. The company offers a chance to work on interesting cases and learn from experienced attorneys in a growing legal firm.
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State of Montana
Average Salary: $61,761
The State of Montana offers a solid average salary for Law Clerks. They have various locations across the state. Clerks here can work in different legal areas and contribute to the state’s judicial system.
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Colorado Judicial Branch
Average Salary: $59,991
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides a good salary for Law Clerks. With multiple locations in Colorado, clerks can gain experience in various legal matters while working in a supportive environment.
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Lindsey & Associates
Average Salary: $59,359
Lindsey & Associates, based in Springfield, Missouri, offers a competitive salary for Law Clerks. The firm provides a chance to work on varied legal cases and gain valuable experience in a small but dynamic legal practice.
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Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Average Salary: $57,694
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services offers Law Clerks a fair salary. With offices in Des Moines, Iowa, clerks can work on important legal issues affecting the community, gaining valuable experience in public service.
How to earn more as a Law Clerk?
Aspiring Law Clerks who aim to increase their earnings can explore several practical strategies. By focusing on key areas, they can enhance their value and potentially earn a higher salary. One effective approach is gaining experience in specialized areas of law. Firms often value clerks with expertise in high-demand fields such as intellectual property or corporate law. Building a strong portfolio of work in these areas can lead to higher pay.
Networking within the legal community also plays a significant role. Attending legal conferences and joining professional organizations can open doors to better-paying positions. Establishing connections with attorneys and other clerks can lead to job referrals and opportunities that offer higher salaries. Another factor is pursuing additional certifications or courses. These can help a clerk gain new skills that are in demand, making them more valuable to employers.
Ambition and initiative can also lead to higher earnings. Taking on extra responsibilities and demonstrating a willingness to learn new tasks can impress employers. This proactive approach can set a clerk apart and make them a candidate for higher pay. Lastly, consider working for firms that have a track record of higher compensation. Researching and targeting these firms can improve chances of earning a better salary.
Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Gain experience in specialized areas of law.
- Network within the legal community.
- Pursue additional certifications or courses.
- Demonstrate ambition and initiative.
- Target firms with a history of higher compensation.



