Law Students

Due to my unique status as a law graduate who is also a graduate student, I am unable to work full-time (plus the fact I am still waiting for the dreaded bar exam results).  Up until today I have never given a thought as to what I am really worth, particularly because my previous summer job was based on a fellowship award (fixed amount - no brainer).  Needless to say, I am absolutely clueless when an attorney threw me this question: How much am I worth?  Or, more precisely, how much do I think I am worth?

I threw out a number — not a random number, but a number range based on the local ads for law clerks and what my friends have told me.  The problem is that not only is the information outdated (I last heard about the salary from a friend two years ago), I am not really an average law clerk (I do have one extra year of academic experience than the 3L applicants).  Suffice to say, I had undervalued myself.  Unfortunately, I only realized this mistake after the career center staff informed me that I have devalued myself 30-50%.

At least now I know my minimum value.  Now, if only I could figure out how to keep a straight face the next time I negotiate for a higher salary…