How to Become a Judge

Judges preside over local, state and federal courts and are either appointed or elected. Federal judges are appointed for life, while the others serve for fixed, renewable terms.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Career Books
• Law School Catalogs
• Judge's Gavel
• Computers
• Online Career Search

1. Become an attorney by obtaining a degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.). You must then pass your state's bar examination and gain experience practicing law.

2. Decide if you would really make a good judge. Ask judges and other legal professionals you know for their honest opinions.

3. Apply for a judgeship when there is an opening in a court of your preference. The procedure for this will vary, depending on the type of court and where you live.

4. Remember that this is a very competitive field and that you will need political support to be appointed or elected. Initially, you will also need to impress judicial nominating commission members, especially for state judgeships.

5. Be aware that orientation and some training are necessary for newly elected or appointed judges. Peruse the National Judicial College Web site (judges.org) for further information.

6. Get used to taking continuing education courses or seminars during the course of your judicial career.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that while judges generally receive more respect than attorneys, they earn less money.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[muSeno]

on 12/15/2008 It is possible he was once a judge, but the position was elected. Also, think of all the petty courts, like small claims or traffic infractions or mandatory arbitration. He could have been involved in one of these limited areas. Some positions, depending on where, are not even paid. It is used as a stepping stone to become a career judge. As for drugs, from what Ive seen in present society, most people are either on drugs or have other amoral vices like sex fetishes, theft or emotional problems.

[lovetoscrap]

on 3/18/2007 I know someone who has a friend that keeps saying he was a judge. But works a lawyer. why would somebody step down as a judge if that is the case. He is also does drugs because he used to buy from this person i know..