Is a Law Degree Required for All Judges?
A person who wants to be a judge does not necessarily have to complete law school in order to fulfill their dream. However, the requirements vary depending on what type of judge you want to become.
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Federal and State Judges
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To become a judge at the state or federal level, you must become a lawyer first. This requires completing law school and passing a state bar examination. Federal judges may also have to pass another examination through the United States Office of Personnel Management.
Limited Jurisdiction Judgeships
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If you want to be a limited-jurisdiction judge, you may not need to be a lawyer, depending on which state you live in. Forty states do not have a law degree requirement, though lawyers are usually preferred for these positions.
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Orientation
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Your state may have a training or orientation program in place for new judges. It may also require continuing education for judges.
Arbitrator, Mediator, Conciliator
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Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators must complete a training program offered by postsecondary schools and mediation programs. Some states may require those applying for these positions to have law degrees.
Election and Appointments
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Law degree or not, you will need to be elected or appointed into a judgeship. Sometimes such appointments are made by other judges. Otherwise, judges are chosen during state elections.
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