A ligation clip applier is provided. The clip applier includes: a pair of jaws; a distal clevis tube to which the jaws are pivotally mounted; a proximal clevis tube located behind the distal clevis tube, wherein the distal clevis tube and the proximal clevis tubes move axially with respect to each other; a clip lock actuator fixed to one of the proximal and distal clevis tubes; and a distal pushrod extending through the distal and proximal clevis tubes and forming a camming connection with the jaws configured to close and move the jaws toward a proximal direction toward the clip lock actuator when the distal pushrod is moved in the proximal direction. A method for applying a clip on a vessel is disclosed.