How to Become an Illinois Judge

The scales of justice

There are only really two methods of becoming a judge in the state of Illinois. Judges may be appointed or they may be elected, depending on what judicial position is in question. Either way, the challenge of becoming a judge in Illinois is a difficult one.

Things You'll Need

• Membership in the Illinois Bar

Instructions

1. Make sure you're eligible. In order to be eligible to be a judge in Illinois, one must be a United States citizen, reside in Illinois, and be a licensed attorney in the state of Illinois. If you don't meet these requirements then you simply aren't eligible for a judgeship in Illinois.

2. Declare yourself a candidate for a judicial position in your district. Whatever position you pick must be within the district in which you live.

3. Campaign for the position. For many people who are legally minded, this can be the most difficult and distasteful aspect of the entire procedure of becoming a judge. It is of the utmost importance, however, that you actively campaign and try to win over as many votes as possible.

4. Remain vague about political positions. Remember, even though judicial positions may often seem like political ones, they aren't supposed to be. So, when running to become a judge, don't pin your political positions down openly or you may regret it.

5. Become a fair, equitable judge if elected.

Tips & Warnings

• Elected judicial positions in Illinois include: supreme court, circuit court and appellate court judges. This then, for all intents and purposes, consists of the vast majority of judicial positions in the state.

• If possible, try to pick a judicial position that isn't too hotly contested in order to increase your odds of winning.

• Although it's possible to be appointed as a judge in Illinois, it's best to go for an elected position if you don't have any good reason to suspect that you'll be nominated to a judicial position.