How to Become an Indiana Court of Appeals Judge

Becoming a judge for the Indiana Court of Appeals is a great honor for any judge, but making it through the nomination and selection process is an even bigger feat. Keep reading to find out how to become an Indiana Court of Appeals judge.

Things You'll Need

• Law degree

Instructions

1. In order to be considered for the Indiana Court of Appeals, you must be eligible to practice law in the state of Indiana. You must have been practicing for a minimum of 10 years, or have served as a trial court judge for at least 5 years.

2. Get nominated by the Judicial Nominating Commission when and if there is a judicial opening in a district in which you practice law or act as a judiciary (see Resources below).

3. Participate in an interview with the Judicial Nominating Commission. Interview questions will be on whatever topics the Commission deems necessary, but mostly cover procedural and legal issues.

4. Three finalists are chosen by the Nominating Commission, who sends their recommendations to the Governor of Indiana.

5. The governor then chooses which of the three finalists will be awarded a seat on the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Tips & Warnings

• Get familiar with the appeals process before the interview with the Commission.

• Keep your political preferences separate from your role as a judge.

Resources

• Indiana's Judicial Nominating Commission