www.clearygottlieb.com

Compensation and Benefits

At Cleary, compensation is highly competitive and structured in a unique way. Every associate and partner is compensated solely on the basis of seniority, not hours billed or business generated. We expect each lawyer to give his or her best and to strive for excellence.

  • Annual compensation of $225,000 for first-year associates.
  • Salary advances for incoming associates of up to $20,000 are available within four months prior to joining Cleary.
  • Judicial clerkship bonus available upon joining Cleary for those who have completed one or more judicial clerkships.

Associates also receive a number of competitive benefits, some of which are highlighted below. 

Highlighted Benefits

  • 401(k) Plan: Associates may participate through voluntary salary deductions.
  • Fitness Reimbursement: Each employee will be eligible for reimbursement of their fitness expenses up to $1,800 maximum per rolling 12-month period. Your reimbursement period begins with your first fitness-related expense while employed at the Firm. Eligible expenses include a broad array of health and fitness options including gym dues, drop-in classes, ClassPass, race fees, home gym equipment, app-based subscriptions and more! 
  • Parental Leave Policy: All new parents can take up to 15 consecutive weeks of paid parental bonding leave for the birth, adoption or permanent foster care placement of a child. Birthing parents will receive additional paid leave under the firm’s short-term disability program and Salary Continuation Policy for any periods of medical disability following the birth of a child. While the actual amount of disability leave varies based on individual circumstances and the period of actual disability, it is generally between 6-8 weeks, depending on the type of birth. 
  • Lactation Room: A private, comfortable and convenient place to continue breast-feeding upon returning to work from parental leave.
  • Emergency Child Care: A back-up child care service, located near the office, is available.
  • Elder Care Program: A confidential resource and referral program, helping employees deal with all types of elder care needs.

Professional Reimbursement Programs

  • Bar review tuition will be reimbursed by Cleary.
  • NY state bar and multistate examination fees, as well as travel and hotel accommodations, are reimbursed by the firm.
  • Bar association dues: One annual membership reimbursed by Cleary.
  • Law school matching gift program of up to $500 annually, paid by our firm.

Health Insurance

  • Medical Benefit Plans: Offered through United Healthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare Health Savings Plan with Health Savings Account and HIP Emblem Plan.
  • Dental Benefit Plan: Offered through Aetna Freedom of Choice Plan, including DMO and PPO options. 
  • Vision Plan: Offered through VSP.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: For expenses not covered by medical, child care and other programs.