A surgical clip applier includes a jaw assembly having first and second jaws. Each jaw defines an opposed surface configured to receive a portion of a surgical clip. The jaws are moveable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for forming the surgical clip about tissue. Each jaw includes a relief element disposed on a surface adjacent to and substantially transverse relative to the opposed surface thereof. The relief elements are cooperable to define a relief recess upon movement of the jaws to the approximated position. The relief recess is configured to receive at least a portion of a previously formed surgical clip during formation of a subsequent surgical clip about tissue adjacent to the previously formed surgical clip.