How much does a NY state clerkship make?
Asked by: Eleonore Littel DVM | Last update: June 11, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)
NY State clerkship salaries vary significantly by position, but generally range from entry-level court assistant roles around $58k-$72k to more senior positions like Senior Law Librarian or Associate Court Clerk earning around $90k+, while high-level Court of Appeals Clerkships start near $96k and increase annually, with some judges' clerks earning substantially more depending on the judge's discretion.
How much do court clerks make in NY?
The average salary for a court clerk is $38.41 per hour in New York State. 40 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated December 29, 2025).
What is the highest paying Court Clerk job?
The highest-paying court clerk jobs are typically administrative roles like District Court Administrator, Court Administrator, or specialized positions like Docket Specialist, with top earners potentially reaching over $100,000-$130,000+ annually, especially in major metropolitan areas or for federal courts, with roles in Los Angeles or California showing very high salaries.
Are state clerkships hard to get?
Well, the chances of landing a clerkship are notably better than winning at Powerball (1 in 292 million), but they will be 0 if you get burned out and stop applying. The clerkship search can go on for months and months without feedback from judges. So, pace yourself and don't fall into any of the traps above.
How much does a judicial clerkship make in NYC?
$73K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $86.1K / yr.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LAW CLERK + NEW CAR!!!!!
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
Is a judicial clerkship worth it?
A significant benefit of a judicial clerkship is the mentoring relationship that often develops between a judge and their law clerks. The relationship is almost always an intensely personal one, and former clerks will tell you that the professional and personal relationship lasts throughout their careers.
Why are clerkships so prestigious?
Federal clerkships are some of the most prestigious positions you can land, mainly because of their limited availability. Navigating the competitive application process for federal clerkships, such as HLS clerkships, can be challenging, but your resume will stand out significantly if you can secure one.
Is legal clerk a good entry level job?
Yes, a law clerk is one of the best entry-level careers in the legal field. If you are looking to gain experience and set yourself apart, then consider working as one.
Is law school harder than med school?
Most sources suggest medical school is generally harder than law school due to its intense memorization, broader foundational science, longer overall training (including residency), and higher-stakes clinical environment, though law school's unique focus on critical reading, analysis, and competitive grading can make it feel equally or even more challenging depending on individual strengths. Med school involves massive factual recall (anatomy, drugs, diseases) and practical skills, while law school emphasizes complex case analysis and argumentation, often with fewer, high-stakes exams.
Can a lawyer make $1 million a year?
Yes, lawyers can make $1 million a year, but it's not typical for most; it's usually achieved by partners in large corporate firms, elite trial lawyers handling high-stakes cases (often on contingency), or entrepreneurial lawyers who own successful firms in lucrative fields like intellectual property, with specialization and business acumen being key. While average salaries are much lower, top earners in specific high-value niches or those leveraging firm growth strategies can reach or exceed this income level.
What jobs pay $300k in NYC?
Jobs paying $300k in NYC are high-level roles in Tech, Finance, Healthcare, and Executive Leadership, including roles like Software Engineers (Staff/Senior), Account Executives, Psychiatrists, Product Managers, Engineering Managers, and VPs, often with significant experience required, high bonuses, equity, or specialized skills, found on platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor.
Is being a court clerk stressful?
Yes, being a court clerk can be a very stressful job, characterized by high pressure, emotional challenges, potential for heavy workloads, and dealing with difficult situations and people, although job satisfaction and stress levels vary greatly by specific role, court, and management. Clerks must manage complex details, meet strict deadlines, and handle sensitive, sometimes harrowing, information, requiring high stress tolerance and emotional resilience, but also offer rewards like stability, learning opportunities, and serving the public.
What personality traits suit a court clerk?
Behavioral Qualities for an Judicial Clerk
- Methodical. Orderly and systematic.
- Prudent. Judicious and discreet.
- Supportive. Uplifting of others.
- Disciplined. Controlled and orderly.
Do law clerks pass the bar?
Although law clerks typically possess a J.D. or L.L.M., they have not yet passed the Bar Exam. This means that neither law clerks nor paralegals are licensed attorneys. Neither professional is licensed to practice law or represent clients.
Are law clerks higher than paralegals?
Yes, a law clerk is generally considered a higher-level, more advanced role than a paralegal, primarily due to the educational requirements (often a law degree for clerks vs. a certificate/associate's for paralegals) and their focus, with law clerks doing intensive research and analysis for judges or attorneys, while paralegals handle broader case management and administrative tasks under attorney supervision. Law clerks often have their J.D. degree, putting them on the path to becoming lawyers, whereas paralegals are trained legal assistants.
What do the top 1% of lawyers make?
The top 1% of lawyers in the U.S. earn significantly more, often reaching into the high six figures and even millions annually, with top earners in "Big Law" (large firms) making starting salaries well over $200k, and senior partners potentially earning millions, especially in high-demand areas like corporate, IP, or patent law in major cities like New York, D.C., or California, far surpassing the median lawyer salary of around $135k-$140k.
Are court clerk jobs in demand?
Court clerk job outlook
Currently, the demand for court clerks remains steady, indicating a consistent need for their specialized skills within the legal system.
Are clerkships stressful?
Navigating the clerkship process can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you're juggling multiple applications, university assignments, work and personal commitments.
Can you make $500,000 as a lawyer?
Yes, lawyers can absolutely make $500,000 or more, especially by specializing in high-paying areas (like corporate, IP, or medical malpractice), working in large firms ("Big Law") as partners, building successful solo practices in lucrative niches, or becoming General Counsel for major companies, though it requires strategic focus, business acumen, and often, working smarter, not just harder, through marketing and efficiency.
Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?
Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.