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Salary

How much does a Law Clerk make?

The average salary for a Law Clerk is $60,571 per year in the US.

Law clerks often work in law firms, courts, or government offices. They help lawyers by researching legal issues, drafting documents, and organizing information. The average yearly salary for a law clerk is around $60,571. This means that many law clerks earn a good income. The salary can vary depending on the employer and the location.


The salary for law clerks can range from about $35,000 to over $100,000 per year. Most law clerks earn between $48,000 and $75,000. This range shows that there are many opportunities for growth. Some law clerks may start at a lower salary and work their way up. Others may have more experience and earn a higher salary right away.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Law Clerk?

Job seekers looking for Law Clerk positions can find some of the highest salaries in Lansing, MI, where the average pay is $82,744. Washington, DC, and Indianapolis, IN, follow closely with average salaries of $80,606 and $76,738, respectively. These cities offer competitive compensation for those in the legal field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Law Clerk jobs, highlighting Lansing, MI with the highest at $82,744 and Denver, CO with the lowest at $68,899.
  1. Lansing, MI
    Average Salary: $82,744
    In Lansing, working as a legal assistant offers a chance to support attorneys in various legal matters. The state capital provides a unique environment with opportunities in government and private law firms.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Lansing, MI


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $80,606
    In Washington, DC, a legal assistant plays a key role in the nation's political and legal landscape. Working here means collaborating with prominent law firms and government agencies.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $76,738
    Indianapolis offers a vibrant legal scene where assistants can gain experience in both corporate and criminal law. The city's diverse legal environment provides a rich learning experience.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $74,021
    San Francisco's legal field is dynamic and fast-paced. Assistants here often work with tech companies and startups, offering unique challenges and growth opportunities.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $71,403
    In St. Louis, legal assistants find a mix of corporate and civil law opportunities. The city's legal community is known for its strong support and mentorship.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in St. Louis, MO


  6. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $71,364
    Rochester provides a balanced legal environment with opportunities in both private practice and public service. The city's legal firms value hard work and dedication.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Rochester, NY


  7. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $71,146
    Syracuse offers a close-knit legal community with a focus on both civil and criminal law. Assistants here benefit from a mix of small-town charm and professional opportunities.
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  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $70,608
    Atlanta's legal market is diverse, with opportunities in healthcare, finance, and technology. Assistants here can expect a fast-paced environment with plenty of growth potential.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Atlanta, GA


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $70,200
    Seattle's legal scene is innovative, with a strong focus on technology and environmental law. Assistants here work in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $68,899
    In Denver, legal assistants find a mix of outdoor lifestyle and legal work. The city's legal community is known for its outdoor activities and professional opportunities.
    Find Law Clerk jobs in Denver, CO

What are the best companies a Law Clerk can work for?

Ford Agency offers the highest average salary for Law Clerk jobs at $148,000. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) provides a competitive salary of $90,632. CACI International also offers a solid average salary of $80,603 for Law Clerk positions. Other notable companies include the State of New Mexico, Amentum, and the Minnesota Judicial Branch, all offering salaries above $60,000. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in law.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Law Clerk jobs, highlighting Ford Agency with the highest at $148,000 and Colorado Judicial Branch with the lowest at $59,310.
  1. Ford Agency
    Average Salary: $148,000
    Ford Agency offers competitive salaries for Law Clerks. They provide opportunities to work in various locations, including New York and Washington, D.C. The company focuses on delivering top-notch legal services and values skilled clerks.


  2. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
    Average Salary: $90,632
    The NLRB provides a solid salary for Law Clerks. They operate in Washington, D.C. Working here means you will be part of a team that handles labor relations cases, offering a unique experience in legal practice.


  3. CACI International
    Average Salary: $80,603
    CACI International offers a good salary for Law Clerks. They have offices in various locations, including Arlington, Virginia. The company works on government contracts, providing a dynamic environment for legal professionals.


  4. State of New Mexico
    Average Salary: $73,610
    The State of New Mexico offers a decent salary for Law Clerks. They operate across the state, with major offices in Santa Fe. Working here means you will be part of a team that supports the state's legal needs.


  5. Amentum
    Average Salary: $73,530
    Amentum provides a competitive salary for Law Clerks. They have offices in several locations, including Arlington, Virginia. The company works on various government projects, offering a diverse legal experience.


  6. Minnesota Judicial Branch
    Average Salary: $63,848
    The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a solid salary for Law Clerks. They operate across the state, with major offices in St. Paul. Working here means you will be part of the state's judicial system, supporting legal proceedings.


  7. New Jersey Courts
    Average Salary: $62,123
    New Jersey Courts offer a decent salary for Law Clerks. They operate across the state, with major offices in Trenton. Working here means you will be part of the state's judicial system, supporting legal proceedings.


  8. Arizona Court of Appeals
    Average Salary: $60,170
    The Arizona Court of Appeals offers a good salary for Law Clerks. They operate in Phoenix. Working here means you will be part of the state's appellate court system, supporting legal proceedings.


  9. State of Montana
    Average Salary: $60,002
    The State of Montana offers a decent salary for Law Clerks. They operate across the state, with major offices in Helena. Working here means you will be part of the state's legal system, supporting various legal needs.


  10. Colorado Judicial Branch
    Average Salary: $59,310
    The Colorado Judicial Branch offers a decent salary for Law Clerks. They operate across the state, with major offices in Denver. Working here means you will be part of the state's judicial system, supporting legal proceedings.

How to earn more as a Law Clerk?

A Law Clerk can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, a Law Clerk can enhance their value and potentially earn more. One of the most effective ways is to gain experience in specialized areas of law. This could include corporate law, intellectual property, or family law. Specialization often leads to higher-paying opportunities.

Another factor is to seek out positions with larger firms or prestigious law offices. These places often offer higher salaries and better benefits. Networking can also play a big role. Building strong relationships with attorneys and other legal professionals can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. Continuing education and obtaining certifications can also boost a Law Clerk's earning potential. Finally, taking on additional responsibilities and demonstrating a strong work ethic can lead to promotions and salary increases.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Gain experience in specialized areas of law.
  2. Seek positions with larger or prestigious law firms.
  3. Build strong professional relationships through networking.
  4. Pursue continuing education and certifications.
  5. Take on additional responsibilities and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Currently 170 Law Clerk job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Law Clerk in the US?

Learn what a Law Clerk does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Law Clerk today.
Position
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Law Clerk
170 Job Openings