The Process to Become a Judge

Judges often work in courthouses, but they also research and work at home or in offices.

Judges provide decisions in court cases and ensure that people follow the laws of a given jurisdiction. Because judges have such enormous control over a person's assets and freedom, all judges must go through specific processes to obtain a judgeship. The process varies slightly depending on whether a judge wants a state or federal position.

Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, every judge must have at least a bachelor's degree. Usually, the bachelor's degree is related to criminal justice and takes four years to finish. In 40 states, you may work as a judge even if you aren't a lawyer, but most judges have been attorneys, and being an attorney raises your chances of getting a judgeship. After you get your bachelor's degree, go to law school and obtain a Juris Doctor degree. Most people finish law school in three years.

Application to the Bar

The next step in becoming a judge is to become a member of your state's bar association or bar commission. To do this, you must apply to the bar and pass a formal written exam that the bar administers. If you pass the exam, the bar recognizes you as a member and you legally can practice as an attorney. People often do not pass the bar exam the first time, however, so do not be discouraged if you fail. You can retake the exam if you do not get a passing score.

Experience

Once you become an attorney, get a job at a law firm and gain experience. There is no minimum experience requirement to be a judge, but more experience usually translates to a more thorough knowledge of the law, which carries a great deal of weight toward getting a judgeship. A federal judgeship typically requires more experience than a state judgeship.

Application and Appointment

Application or appointment for a judgeship is arguably the most complex and subjective part of becoming a judge. For most state judgeships, you must provide an application to a nominating committee, which is made up of members of your state's bar, as well as members of the public. If the committee members approve your application, they will nominate you for the judgeship and you can run for the position via a general, public election. Members of the jurisdiction in which you will serve vote for or against you in the election and therefore determine whether you get the job. For a federal judgeship, a federal agency or federal judge must appoint you. Appointments depend largely on your experience in criminal justice and social work you have done, which is why it is rare for someone who is very young and who doesn't have a law degree to receive a federal judgeship.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition; Judges, Magistrates, and Other Judicial Workers; Dec. 17, 2009