It’s rarely possible to get a comprehensive view of the careers available in the judicial system, whether for US-based individuals looking to pursue law at university or international candidates making plans for life after university. This article will cover what you need to know about becoming a judge so that you can make an informed decision if this is the right career path for you Reading through the article below will grant you easy access to the latest information on how to become a judge after 12th how to become a judge in india after llb. You will also find related posts on how to become a judge in canada & how to become a judge without a law degree on collegelearners.

HOW to Become Judge

Judges preside over court hearings and trials, supervise legal proceedings and uphold the rights of individuals involved in a legal process. They ensure that trials are conducted according to established rules and procedures, which may include determining how testimony is given and evidence submitted. In non-jury criminal trials, judges decide a defendant’s guilt or innocence, and in civil cases they rule on liability and compensation. These professionals can be elected by the public or appointed by governments. Judge job requirements include long hours in preparation for hearings and sometimes must travel for them. They must also be available on call for emergency situations.{“level”:1} –>

Become a Judge: Education Requirements and Career Roadmap

Judge Job Duties

Judges preside over court hearings and trials, supervise legal proceedings and uphold the rights of individuals involved in a legal process. They ensure that trials are conducted according to established rules and procedures, which may include determining how testimony is given and evidence submitted. In non-jury criminal trials, judges decide a defendant’s guilt or innocence, and in civil cases they rule on liability and compensation. These professionals can be elected by the public or appointed by governments. Judges often work long hours in preparation for hearings and sometimes must travel for them. They must also be available on call for emergency situations.

Requirements to Be a Judge

Degree Level	Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctorate (required)
Degree Field	Undergraduate degrees in political science, history, business or economics are beneficial
Licensure	State-specific license to practice law
Experience	Lawyer experience generally required
Key Skills	Critical thinking, reasoning, decision-making, communication
Median Salary (2018)*	$133,920 annually

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Many Years does it Take to Become a Judge?

The length of time it takes to complete this career pathway can vary greatly. It typically takes around 7 years to become a lawyer, including four years of undergraduate courses and three years of law school. After that, most people spend several years practicing as an attorney before seeking a judgeship.

How to Become a Judge

The following sections outline the steps one must take to become a judge.

Step 1: Attend Undergraduate School

Aspiring judges can prepare for careers in law during undergraduate school. No specific major of study is required to attend law school, but prospective law students commonly earn an undergraduate degree in political science, history, business or economics. Law school admissions can be competitive, and it is helpful to prepare during your undergraduate years.

Step 2: Earn a Law Degree

Do you have to be a lawyer to become a judge? In most cases, yes. Most judges begin their careers as lawyers, and prior legal practice is a prerequisite for many state and federal judgeships. Lawyers must hold Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees, which require completing three years of legal education at a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Some schools offer part-time programs, which typically take four years to complete. During the first year of study in law school, students typically focus on fundamental law coursework, including contracts, torts, civil procedure and criminal law. In the final two years, students complete elective classes in specialized topics, such as family law and tax law. Clinical internships are also typically available. Completing an internship during law school can provide students with experience working in the field and networking opportunities, which may make it easier to find employment after graduation.

Step 3: Pass a Bar Exam

After earning a J.D. degree, prospective lawyers must apply for admission to the bar in their state or jurisdiction of practice. Although admission and testing requirements vary, admission to a bar usually requires being licensed, which is gained by passing numerous exams. Exams may include the Multistate Bar Exam, which is a 200-question, 6-hour exam, which tests knowledge of various law fundamentals, such as criminal law, contracts and torts, and an ethics exam and a state-specific exam. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) offers past examinations for sale on its website. These exams provide students with an idea of what to expect on the bar examination.

Step 4: Work as an Attorney

Most judges work as attorneys prior to acquiring their judgeship. An attorney represents clients before a court or in other legal proceedings to resolve disputes. Their tasks may include appearing in court, drafting court documents and conducting legal research.

Step 5: Obtain a Judgeship

To become judges, one must either be appointed or elected. Lawyers may apply for judgeships by submitting their names for consideration to a judicial nominating commission, or they may be recommended by senators or other politicians. Generally, becoming nominated for a judgeship requires a strong history of legal practice and support from politicians. Some federal judges are appointed to life-long terms, while other federal, state or local judges have fixed or renewable terms of office. At the end of these terms, judges often either retire or teach law school.

Step 6: Complete Training

After being elected or appointed, judges may be required to complete state-administered introductory training or attend training programs led by legal organizations, such as the ABA, National Judicial College or National Center for State Courts. The Federal Judicial Center provides training programs for federal judges and other federal court personnel. In these programs, trainees participate in court trials, review legal publications and complete online exercises. Most judges are required to complete continuing education courses throughout their careers to stay informed about changes to the law. Judges preside over legal proceedings such as hearings and trials. Lawyers argue their cases in front of a judge, and the judge makes sure each side follows the rules of the courtroom and meets standards set by the law. In certain types of cases, judges hear evidence from both sides and come to a ruling on their own. In other cases, judges give a jury instructions so that they can come to a ruling. There are many different types of cases judges can preside over. Some may preside over civil cases such as small claims, family law, juvenile, probate, or contract cases. Some preside over criminal hearings and trials, while others hear challenges to state and federal laws and determine whether or not those laws violate the state or federal constitution. Judges may be appointed to their posts by government officials, or they may win their posts in elections. Some judges have a limited term of service, while others hold their positions for life.

What kind of training is required to become a judge?

In most cases, judges are lawyers who have several years of experience practicing law. To become a lawyer, one must complete a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program after earning a bachelor’s degree. After completing law school, JD graduates must pass their state’s bar exam, an accomplishment that requires months of preparation and study. Lawyers may work for the public in a government agency or prosecutor’s office, represent clients in a law practice, or provide legal consultation to individuals and organizations. New lawyers start in entry-level associate positions and put in many hours of work to advance to higher positions within their firm or office. While they are working, lawyers also complete continuing education to become more familiar with certain areas of the law. Lawyers who want to become judges may be more likely to earn appointments or be elected to positions if their experience includes a large amount of time spent at trial.

Are there any certification or licensure requirements?

Each state sets requirements for the qualifications of judges in different types of courts. While judges do not have to obtain a separate license, in most cases, they must be practicing lawyers, which means they are currently licensed by their state to practice law. They typically must also be residents of the area in which they will be serving, and registered to vote as well. Some types of judgeships require more experience than others. In Texas, for example, a county criminal court judge must be at least 25 years old and have 4 years of experience practicing law, but a criminal appeals court judge must be at least 35 years old and have 10 years of experience as a lawyer or judge. Many states also set a maximum age for judges, and when judges reach this age they must retire. How long does it take to become a judge? Most lawyers take seven years to complete the education required to become a lawyer, and it may take additional time to pass the state bar exam. The type of judgeship one is pursuing will affect the length of time it takes to become a judge. Most positions require several years of experience, but some require none. What does a judge earn? The median yearly pay for judges and magistrate judges in the United States was $115,760 in 2012. Administrative law judges and adjudicators had a lower median salary of $87,240 that year. What are the job prospects? The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of judges in the United States will remain steady between 2012 and 2020. Openings will be available as judges’ terms end or they retire, but few new positions are expected to be created. What are the long term career prospects for judges? Judges who want to move beyond their current position can seek positions on higher courts with greater jurisdiction such as appeals courts and beyond. Some judges continue to maintain their own law practice and may return to it after some time, while others may choose to go into law education.

How can I find a job as a judge?

Judges get their jobs through either election or appointment. Running for election as a judge typically requires registering for a political party, raising money, and running a campaign. You can increase your chances of winning by maintaining a high profile in your community and making political connections by helping to raise money or volunteer in the campaigns of other candidates in your party. Earning an appointment to a judicial position often involves making community connections as well. Attorneys and judges can apply for these positions, and the government official who makes the appointment will typically seek the recommendation of a judicial selection committee. Local and state bar associations may also poll their membership to evaluate judicial candidates and make recommendations. Building a positive reputation in your community and with your colleagues can help you earn a recommendation and possibly an appointment.

How can I learn more about becoming a judge?

You can learn more about the requirements for becoming a lawyer and a judge through your state’s bar association website. Since judicial requirements can vary by state, it may help to check what standards your own state has set. States often make this information available through the website of their judicial branch of the office of the governor.