For those smart — and lucky — enough to land federal clerkships, things just got a little sweeter. Yes, you’ve already unlocked a major legal industry achievement, and now your chances of making bank have gone up.
Today, litigation firm Robins Kaplan announced a $100,000 federal clerkship bonus to those who have done at least a one-year district court or appellate federal clerkship. Partner and Recruiting Chair Patrick M. Arenz says it’s to recruit the best of the best to the firm:
“This bonus program reflects our commitment to recruiting the best of the best,” says Partner and Recruiting Chair Patrick M. Arenz. “Those who want to become the next generation of elite trial lawyers: excellent writers, charismatic storytellers, and resilient advocates.” Robins Kaplan will also offer credit towards partnership consideration for eligible clerkships.
While firm chair Ronald J. Schutz says the bonuses are in line with the firm’s overall mission:
“We want lawyers who won’t settle for mediocrity and who strive for the extraordinary,” says Partner and Chair of the Executive Board Ronald J. Schutz. “The Firm believes that many federal law clerks have demonstrated a track record of success and accomplishment, and we want to invite them to apply to join our ranks if they want to become high-stakes trial lawyers.”
It’s not the very top of clerkship bonuses — that honor goes to California plaintiffs firm Dovel & Luner who offer a jaw-dropping $140,000 as a clerkship bonus. And Quinn Emanuel has a slightly higher clerkship bonus of $105,000, as does boutique Hueston Hennigan. And Fish & Richardson made headlines with an impressive number to former clerks ($115,000), but that only applies to folks with Federal Circuit experience and it requires two years of service as a clerk. But considering most Biglaw clerkship bonuses are around $50,000, that’s still a huge bonus.
Are there any other firms that are ready to make the move on clerkship bonuses? If you have information about any firm’s clerkship bonuses, you should email us or text us (646-820-8477) with all the details. Thanks!
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).