How to Become a Magistrate Judge

A federal magistrate judge is a position of prestige.

Federal magistrate judges serve an eight-year full-time (or four-year part-time) term and preside over criminal arraignments, bond hearings and misdemeanor trials. Appointed by federal district court judges, federal magistrate judges must hold a law degree and be an actively practicing attorney for approximately 10 years before applying to the bench. Although no other set prerequisites are required to apply, candidates with federal courtroom practice and government work are looked favorably upon.

Instructions

1. Complete a federal magistrate judge application from your district federal court. Many court systems offer online applications or you can pick one up in person at the courthouse. Applicants should include educational background, work history, involvement in important cases or projects and community involvement or appointments on the application.

   Applications are reviewed by the judicial review committee which is comprised of local attorneys, law professors and citizens from the community. The committee creates a list of the most viable candidates from the application pool to call for a personal interview.

2. Interview with the judicial review committee. All committee members are present to interview candidates about educational background and work history. Additionally, some committees ask candidates to provide rhetorical answers and comments to scenarios. These responses give the committee an idea of how the candidate would act on the bench, if nominated.

   The committee sends a short list of approximately five candidates to be considered by the district's federal judges. The judges vote on which candidate should fill the federal magistrate judge vacancy. As a candidate, you do not interview with the judges, but must be ready to answer any impromptu questions by phone and to accept the nomination.

3. Accept appointment from the U.S. district courts. If yo are nominated, you will be given a few months to wrap up work at your current position before being sworn in by another federal district judge prior to taking the bench.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare for the job years in advance. Build your resume by becoming active in professional organizations and taking on new cases.

• Network with other attorneys and district court judges. Attend judicial cocktail parties and dinners to meet judges.

• Be candid and truthful when completing your application and answering questions during your interview. The federal government performs a background check so any inaccuracies can be exposed during the search.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Judges, Magistrates and Other Judicial Workers
• The Federal Magistrate Judges Association
• U.S. Courts: FAQ Federal Judges