2020 Post-Clerkship Total 1st Year Compensation Forum

[Anonymous User]

I was a double clerk (no fancy judges either) and got 130k at a V5 simply because I asked.

The firm, like all firms, provided some additional compensation for covid at year end last year. Most firms did not give these to people who had just started but the incoming clerks all got it.

The firm also paid me a bar stipend even though I did not work there during my summers.

All in, the bonuses and stipends were about 150k, 20 of which I did not realize I would get.

I also asked them to take out the claw back language; they did.

Some other things to consider from a pure comp perspective.
- healthcare
- tech budget
- potential business development budgets

Molo, Susman, and Kellogg would be firms I would target on the boutique side. I'd go after Quinn/Selendy (if you're in NY) as well. There are other places depending on your market (HH, Yetter, WC, etc.).

Once you have one six figure bonus, you can try to parlay it to another big law firm and simply say, "I'm deciding between you and X and X has offered me significantly more upfront, would you consider giving me [$]". Most people were really receptive to that.

The job largely blows so you should try to squeeze as hard as you can before you start.

Mind sharing which v5? I'm in the process of negotiating with two v5 firms right now and would appreciate that info and any other tips you have about the process! This is all new territory for me.

[Anonymous User]

Bump.