How Much Should Law Clerks Make? | They Don't Teach You That In Law School

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

In this episode, we are discussing what they never teach you in law school—how the real world of law clerkships really works. Joining me is Troy Hendrickson, my resident law clerk and a current law student, who brings his own fresh experiences to the table.

Together, we break down what it actually means to be a law clerk—beyond the fancy titles—and get honest about pay expectations, resume-boosting positions, and the difference between big firm opportunities and the invaluable, hands-on education you get in a smaller practice like mine. We talk money, motivation, government jobs versus the private sector, and why sometimes the most valuable lessons don’t come with the biggest paychecks.

If you’re in law school, just starting your legal career, or simply curious about what a clerkship looks like on the ground, you’ll want to hear this conversation.

Key Moments

00:00 "Law School vs. Real-World Practice"

03:53 Avoided Big Law Temptations

08:34 Law Salary Expectations Disparity

12:10 Pre-Internet Problem-Solving Skills

14:29 "Mastering Skills Through Experience"

17:25 Paralegals: Efficient Alternatives in AI

19:40 Value Learning Over Initial Pay

22:53 "Law School's Economic Lessons"

Here are my top three takeaways:

• The Prestige and the Pay Are NOT Equal: Big Law may pay top dollar for summer clerks, but not every opportunity is a financial windfall—and often, the most prestigious or educational clerkships pay the least. Don’t overlook the value of experience for resume-building, even if the paycheck is modest.
• The Real Learning Starts Outside the Classroom: Most of the practical skills that make you valuable in a law practice—drafting, filing, firm workflow—aren’t taught in law school. You’ll learn by doing, often starting with the “menial” work that teaches the business from the ground up.
• Focus on the Experience (Not Just the Dollars): Especially in smaller firms or government settings, you might earn less, but the breadth of hands-on work and real legal training can set you apart. As Steve pointed out, the value of an opportunity isn’t always reflected on your paycheck—and sometimes, learning how things really work is worth more than a few extra bucks an hour.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

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