Qualifications to Become a Judge in New York
Becoming a judge requires hard work and dedication to the legal profession. The education and experience can be worth the sacrifice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of judges was $110,220 as of May 2008. The highest-paid judges made more than $162,140 per year. In the state of New York, the qualifications to become a judge are determined by the bar association of the state for state judges, while qualifications in New York City are determined by the Association of the Bar of The City of New York.
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Education
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As with other states, becoming a judge in New York requires that you obtain a degree in law. The standard degree for lawyers and judges to enter the legal profession is the Juris Doctor, a three-year degree that you must obtain at a law school approved by the American Bar Association. Some judges attain their positions because of their expertise and experience in certain fields of law. For instance, a bankruptcy judge will have extensive knowledge of business law. Attending a law school at an institution that offers specializations in this and other areas, rather than just a general law studies track, can be helpful.
Bar Recognition
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Having a law degree is not enough to practice law. To enter the legal profession in New York, you must pass the New York state bar exam. The New York State Board of Law Examiners administers the test, which covers 13 different broad areas of knowledge that you are expected to know. Some of these include constitutional law of both New York and the United States, criminal law and procedures, professional responsibility in the legal field, civil procedure and practice and contract law. Passing the bar exam qualifies the examinee to legally practice as a lawyer and then later as a judge in New York.
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Experience
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Judges are normally selected from among the ranks of experienced lawyers and appointed by a selection process carried out by judicial nominating and screening committees. All eligible attorneys are free to submit an application to appointed judges' positions, but most positions that are filled by appointment are more likely to go to applicants with many years of significant experience. The higher the position level, the more experience that is required. Some experience working as a trial-court lawyer can be helpful but is not required. Appointed judges usually gain experience by first working as lawyers and then working as lower-court judges. Lower-court judges are usually elected to office. Several periods of service based on reelection can help qualify you for positions at the state or even federal level.
Personal Qualifications
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The Association of the Bar of The City of New York lists several different intellectual or personal qualifications needed to serve as a judge. Aside from a thorough knowledge of the law, both specialized and general, judges need to exhibit a professional demeanor and a temperament that exudes both patience and a willingness to consider both sides of an argument. Judges need to be able to weigh evidence and make prompt decisions whenever necessary. They must also be unbiased, have integrity and be committed to public service.
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