Overview
Judicial clerkships are among the most prestigious positions available to recent law graduates. Clerks work directly with judges, researching legal issues, drafting opinions, and gaining unparalleled insight into judicial decision-making. While clerkship salaries are modest compared to private practice, the career benefits and post-clerkship bonuses make them highly valuable investments.
Federal district court clerks earn approximately $72,000 to $82,000, while circuit court clerks earn slightly more at $75,000 to $85,000. Supreme Court clerks receive the highest judicial clerk salaries at $85,000 to $95,000. State court clerkship salaries vary widely but generally range from $50,000 to $70,000.
The true financial value of a clerkship is realized upon completion. BigLaw firms routinely offer clerkship bonuses of $75,000 to $100,000 for federal clerks, with Supreme Court clerks commanding bonuses of $400,000 or more. Clerks also typically receive class year credit, entering firms at second or third-year associate pay levels.
Salary Data
| Level | Salary | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Federal District Clerk | $72,000-$82,000 | N/A |
| Federal Circuit Clerk | $75,000-$85,000 | N/A |
| Supreme Court Clerk | $85,000-$95,000 | N/A |
| State Court Clerk | $50,000-$70,000 | N/A |
| Post-Clerkship Bonus (BigLaw) | N/A | $75,000-$100,000 |
Key Factors Affecting Salary
- 1Federal vs. state court level
- 2Trial court vs. appellate court vs. Supreme Court
- 3Geographic location and locality pay
- 4Judge prestige and circuit reputation
- 5One-year vs. two-year clerkship term
Geographic Variation
Washington, D.C. (federal)
Highest federal clerk pay with locality
New York (federal)
High locality pay adjustment
San Francisco (federal)
Highest locality adjustment available
State Courts (CA, NY)
$55,000-$70,000 (above average)
State Courts (rural)
$45,000-$55,000 (lowest range)
Market Trends
Clerkship hiring continues its shift toward earlier application timelines, with many federal judges hiring clerks two years in advance. The clerkship bonus war among BigLaw firms has intensified, with top firms offering six-figure bonuses for circuit clerks and unprecedented packages for Supreme Court clerks. Some firms now offer structured clerkship bonus programs that increase with the prestige of the court.
Diversity in clerkship hiring has become a major focus, with several pipeline programs and organizations working to increase representation among clerks. The rise of remote work during the pandemic has had minimal impact on clerkship structure, as most judges require in-person attendance.
Negotiation Tips
Clerkship salaries are set by the federal or state judiciary and are non-negotiable
Focus on the post-clerkship market — negotiate your BigLaw or in-house offer using the clerkship credential
Ask potential employers about class year credit and how clerkship time is valued for advancement
Compare clerkship bonus offers across firms, as amounts can vary by $25,000 or more
Consider tax implications of large lump-sum clerkship bonuses when planning finances
If choosing between clerkships, weigh the judge's reputation and post-clerkship placement record