Clerkship Bonuses 2026: Firm-by-Firm Amounts and Post-Clerkship Hiring
Short answer: Many firms pay former federal clerks a signing bonus of $100,000 or more (Reuters, June 16, 2026). In March 2026 Above the Law reported Susman Godfrey raised its federal clerkship bonus to $180,000, matching Hueston Hennigan (Above the Law). Supreme Court clerks command far more: CNN reported signing bonuses of up to $700,000 in September 2026 (CNN, Sept. 14, 2026).
Reported federal clerkship bonuses (2026)
- Susman Godfrey: $180,000 for any federal district or appellate clerkship, up from $125,000; $200,000 for two or more (Above the Law).
- Hueston Hennigan: $180,000 (Above the Law).
- Quinn Emanuel: $175,000 for one year, plus $25,000 for a second clerkship (Above the Law).
- Boies Schiller: $150,000; $175,000 for multiple clerkships (Above the Law).
- Dovel & Luner: $140,000 (Above the Law).
- Cravath: $125,000; $150,000 for a two-year clerkship or two one-year clerkships (Above the Law).
- Munger Tolles: $125,000; $150,000 for two federal clerkships (Above the Law).
- Fish & Richardson: $115,000 for Federal Circuit experience with two years as a clerk (Above the Law).
- Robins Kaplan: $100,000 (Above the Law).
- White & Case (firm page): $50,000 to $100,000 for approved courts, $400,000 for Supreme Court clerks, and possible class credit (White & Case).
Questions to ask every firm
- Which courts qualify? State supreme courts, magistrate, bankruptcy and specialized courts are treated differently by different firms.
- Is the bonus higher for two clerkships or a two-year term?
- Do I get class-year credit for the clerkship?
- Is there a clawback if I leave within a set period?
- When is the bonus paid, and is it prorated?
Post-clerkship hiring timeline
- Firms often recruit clerks during the clerkship. Check your judge's rules on outside job searches before you start conversations.
- Clerks are subject to judiciary ethics rules; the FJC's Law Clerk Handbook covers conduct and ethics (FJC Law Clerk Handbook).
- Government paths such as AUSA roles run on their own timelines. Discussion: Timeline for Seeking AUSA Position Post Clerkship.
Compare offers
Bonus size is only one factor. Compare practice group fit, class credit and partnership track. For a confidential comparison of firm offers, talk with a recruiter at BCG Attorney Search.
FAQ
Q: What is the highest federal clerkship bonus in 2026?
Above the Law reported $180,000 at Susman Godfrey and Hueston Hennigan, and $200,000 at Susman Godfrey for two or more clerkships (Above the Law).
Q: How much is the Supreme Court clerkship bonus?
Reports range from up to $500,000 (Reuters) to up to $700,000 (CNN). White & Case lists $400,000 on its own site (White & Case).
Q: Do state clerkships get bonuses?
Some firms pay them and some do not. Ask each firm. See the TLS thread on state supreme court bonuses: Sidley Austin Clerkship Bonus for State Supreme Court?.
Related guides
Last verified: September 26, 2026, against the official court pages and dated news sources linked in this guide. Hiring status changes often, so confirm on the court or chambers page before you apply. Spot an error? Reply in the linked discussion thread or PM a moderator.
