How much does a Law Clerk make?
Law clerks play an important role in supporting lawyers and judges. They help with legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for court. The average yearly salary for a law clerk is about $58,744. This means they earn a solid income while gaining valuable experience in the legal field.
Here's a look at how salaries break down across different experience levels:
- The lowest 10% earn less than $34,000 a year.
- The next 20% earn between $34,000 and $49,818.
- The middle 30% earn between $49,818 and $73,545.
- The next 20% earn between $73,545 and $113,091.
- The top 10% earn more than $113,091 a year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Law Clerk?
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $87,354
Working in the nation's capital offers a unique chance to be part of significant legal matters. Many prominent law firms and federal agencies look for skilled clerks. Expect to work in a dynamic environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Washington, DC
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $82,961
In San Francisco, you will join a tech-savvy legal community. Many high-profile tech firms and law offices hire clerks. This city's vibrant culture makes it an exciting place to work and grow.
Find Law Clerk jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $82,320
St. Louis offers a blend of large corporate law firms and local practices. Clerks here can gain valuable experience in various legal fields. The city's friendly atmosphere helps in building a supportive professional network.
Find Law Clerk jobs in St. Louis, MO
-
Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $77,317
Indianapolis provides a mix of big firm experience and smaller community practices. Clerks enjoy a balanced workload and opportunities to specialize. The city's growing legal sector offers good career prospects.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Indianapolis, IN
-
Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $74,466
In Syracuse, you can work in a variety of settings, from local law firms to larger institutions. The city’s legal community is welcoming, making it a great place to build a strong professional foundation.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Syracuse, NY
-
Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $73,171
Atlanta’s legal scene is diverse and bustling. Clerks can find positions in corporate law firms, government agencies, and non-profits. The city’s rapid growth creates many opportunities for career advancement.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Atlanta, GA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $72,832
Sacramento offers a mix of state and federal legal work. Clerks here often deal with government-related cases. The city’s laid-back environment makes it easy to focus on professional development.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $71,586
Seattle’s legal market thrives with tech companies and major law firms. Clerks gain exposure to cutting-edge legal issues. The city’s vibrant community and outdoor activities make it a pleasant place to live and work.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $69,257
Los Angeles provides a dynamic legal landscape with many entertainment-focused firms. Clerks here work on diverse cases, from media to real estate. The city’s entertainment industry adds a unique flair to the legal work.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $69,231
Boston’s rich legal history offers many opportunities for clerks. Working in prestigious law firms, you can gain valuable experience in various practice areas. The city’s academic environment enhances professional growth.
Find Law Clerk jobs in Boston, MA
What are the best companies a Law Clerk can work for?
-
Ford Agency
Average Salary: $132,182
Ford Agency offers Law Clerk positions that pay well. They help people with insurance and legal needs. They have offices in many places like California and New York.
-
CACI International
Average Salary: $91,339
CACI International provides good pay for Law Clerks. They work with the government on technology and consulting. You can find them in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas.
-
State of New Mexico
Average Salary: $73,459
The State of New Mexico offers jobs for Law Clerks with a decent salary. They manage public services in New Mexico. They have offices across the state, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
-
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Average Salary: $61,815
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides Law Clerk jobs with a good salary. They handle legal matters in Minnesota. They operate courthouses in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
-
City of Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $61,546
The City of Philadelphia offers Law Clerk positions with a competitive salary. They manage city services in Philadelphia. They have offices throughout the city.
-
Arizona Court of Appeals
Average Salary: $60,170
The Arizona Court of Appeals offers Law Clerk jobs with a fair salary. They handle appeals cases in Arizona. They operate in cities like Phoenix and Tucson.
-
Colorado Judicial Branch
Average Salary: $59,887
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides Law Clerk positions with a solid salary. They manage court cases in Colorado. They have courthouses in Denver and other cities.
-
State of Montana
Average Salary: $59,875
The State of Montana offers Law Clerk jobs with a good salary. They manage public services in Montana. Offices are located in cities like Billings and Missoula.
-
State of Iowa
Average Salary: $58,607
The State of Iowa provides Law Clerk positions with a decent salary. They handle public services in Iowa. They have offices in cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
-
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Average Salary: $51,810
The Commonwealth of Kentucky offers Law Clerk jobs with a fair salary. They manage state services in Kentucky. They have offices in cities like Louisville and Lexington.
How to earn more as a Law Clerk?
Law Clerks play a key role in the legal field. They assist lawyers with various tasks, from research to document preparation. Increasing your earning potential as a Law Clerk can lead to better opportunities and job satisfaction. Focusing on the right factors can help boost your salary and career growth.
Here are some effective ways to earn more as a Law Clerk:
- Experience: Gaining experience can lead to higher pay. Clerks who have worked for several years often earn more than those just starting.
- Certifications: Obtaining additional certifications can make you more valuable. Certifications in areas like legal research or technology can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can open doors to better job opportunities. Attending legal conferences and joining professional organizations can help.
- Specialization: Focusing on a specific area of law can make you more attractive to employers. Specialization in fields like intellectual property or corporate law often comes with higher salaries.
- Performance: Consistently delivering high-quality work can lead to raises and promotions. Meeting deadlines and going above and beyond in your duties shows commitment and skill.
