I am currently a federal district court clerk that has recently accepted a federal circuit court clerkship to begin immediately after the conclusion of my current clerkship position. While in law school, I spent three summers with the same firm. I really like the firm that I worked at and I have made a ton of connections with both partners and associates there.
The firm offers $75k for two federal clerkships. Several of my friends are receiving $125k for ONE federal clerkship. I have also read that some firms are paying $150k for two clerkships, and litigation boutiques (which I’m open to joining) are offering up to $200k for two clerkship. I’m a first gen attorney and KJD with a lot of law school debt. Like anyone in my position, I would like to maximize my bonus so that I can aggressively pay down my student loans. I also do not want to stay in biglaw long term.
I have three questions:
- How should I negotiate a higher clerkship bonus?
(Do I merely contact the firm and ask for a higher bonus based on my clerkship experience and higher pay amongst peer firms? They are obviously aware of the higher pay amongst other firms and I’m sure plenty of associates have two clerkships so I’m unsure what the best angle is.)
- Should I negotiate first with the firm that has offered me and then apply to other firms if they decline to raise the bonus or should I get an offer in hand and then negotiate based on that?
(I don’t want to over play my hand, get my offer pulled, and then potentially end up with nothing.)
- Should I just be grateful and take the $75k?
(Someone has advised me that spending 3 summers at one firm is a unique situation and the connections I have will lead to an experience at the firm that outweighs the additional money. It could also damage my reputation in the industry. As you can guess this advice came from a law school faculty member, so school rep is definitely a motivator behind that advice.)
I would appreciate any advice that you’ll may have.