How To Become a Judge in 7 Steps

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a judge, it’s important to know that the process takes years of dedication. Judges hold one of the most respected positions in the legal system, and their work impacts individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

The path typically includes earning a bachelor’s degree, completing law school, passing the bar exam, and gaining significant legal experience. Only then can you pursue appointment or election to the bench. In this article, we’ll walk you through what judges do, the types of judgeships available, the education and experience required, and the skills you’ll need to succeed.

What Does a Judge Do?

Judges are central figures in the U.S. legal system, responsible for ensuring that trials and hearings are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. They preside over courtroom proceedings, interpret legal issues, and issue rulings or sentences. Judges may also review evidence, instruct juries, and write legal opinions.

The role varies depending on the court. A criminal court judge might oversee felony cases and sentencing, while a civil court judge could decide on disputes over contracts or property. Appellate judges review decisions made in lower courts, and federal judges may handle constitutional issues or nationwide disputes. In every role, judges act as impartial decision-makers, maintaining order and upholding justice.

Types of Judgeships

There are several types of judgeships, each with distinct responsibilities and selection processes. Trial judges are perhaps the most familiar, presiding over criminal and civil cases in local, county, or state courts. They listen to testimony, weigh evidence, and decide cases or guide juries in reaching verdicts.

Appellate judges handle cases that have been appealed from lower courts, focusing more on legal interpretation than fact-finding. State judges can either be elected by voters or appointed by governors, depending on the state’s laws. Federal judges, including district and appellate judges as well as Supreme Court justices, are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Judge?

Becoming a judge is not a quick process. First, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years. Then comes law school, where you’ll spend another three years earning a Juris Doctor (JD). After graduating, you must pass the bar exam in your chosen state.

Once licensed, you must spend several years practicing law before being considered for a judgeship.

Some candidates may work as attorneys for a decade or more before pursuing this path. In total, the journey to the bench often takes between 10 and 20 years, depending on your career trajectory and opportunities for appointment or election.

Steps To Become a Judge

The path to judgeship requires years of study, law school, passing the state bar, and meeting any relevant training requirements. At the end of all this, career hopefuls must remember that judges are appointed and there are a limited number of vacancies to be filled.

All that being said, a career as a judge is achievable. It starts with meeting the requirements to be a judge, and ends with making the right connections, running for office, or applying for a judgeship. Take a look at where to begin the path to becoming a judge.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a judge is to meet the necessary judge education requirements and complete your bachelor's degree. This can be in a relevant subject, such as political science or criminal justice, but other subjects, like history or psychology, can also provide relevant skills. Whatever you study, remember that a grade point average between a 3.0 and a 3.5 is required to get into many law schools.

2. Take the LSAT and Apply for Law School

When you take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) depends on when you plan to enroll in law school. The test is given four times per year, in February, June, October (sometimes late September), and December. If you plan to enroll in the fall, it's best to take the exam in June or September of the previous year.

Since many law schools weigh your LSAT score as high or higher than your GPA, some students take a year off after graduating to study and prep. The average LSAT score is 150, but some schools may require a score of at least 165. If you plan to defer enrollment, note that LSAT scores are valid for five years.

3. Obtain Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

Once you are accepted to an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, you can begin work on your Juris Doctorate. A full-time student usually completes this in three years, while a part-time student will take four years. Many schools offered accelerated JD programs as well.

Now is the time to learn all you can about how to practice law, from torts to the finer details of state laws. You could also take classes in more specialized fields, like family law.

4. Pass the State Bar Exam

After completing law school, you must pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice. The bar exam tests knowledge of state and federal law, legal reasoning, and practical skills. Preparing often requires months of study, with many graduates enrolling in prep courses to increase their chances of success. 

Passing the bar not only qualifies you to practice law but also establishes credibility for future career goals. Since judges are required to be licensed attorneys in most states, this step is essential.

5. Gain Legal Experience

Before you can pursue a judgeship, you must spend years building your reputation and expertise as a legal professional. Many judges start as prosecutors, public defenders, or private attorneys. Others gain valuable experience by working as clerks for established judges or serving in government legal roles. 

This stage of your career helps you develop courtroom skills, legal knowledge, and the professional network needed to be considered for the bench. In most cases, judgeships require at least several years, sometimes more than a decade, of proven legal practice.

6. Pursue Appointment or Election to Judgeship

After gaining significant legal experience, you can seek a judgeship through various selection methods. At the state level, judges may be chosen through merit selection, gubernatorial appointment, partisan election, nonpartisan election, or legislative election. Each state sets its own process, so the path will depend on where you practice. 

For federal judgeships, the process is different: candidates are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Because vacancies are limited, pursuing appointment or election requires strong qualifications, a solid reputation, and often political or professional connections.

7. Complete Judgeship Training and Continuing Education

After being selected, new judges must complete training programs to prepare for their responsibilities. These sessions often include courtroom management, legal updates, and ethical standards. 

The American Bar Association (ABA) and state judicial organizations provide ongoing seminars and courses. Continuing education is also required throughout a judge’s career to stay current with changing laws and legal practices.

Role of a Judge and Career Path Outlook

Judges are leaders in the court system, presiding over the court proceedings and eventually passing judgment. Federal judges are responsible for upholding the U.S. Constitution. Whether you work in an appellate court, district court, or federal court, a judge's job description will vary depending on the types of cases you want to work with.

Judges presiding over criminal cases will impose jail sentences and fines, while those responsible for civil cases will determine monetary compensation. Judges work closely with lawyers, litigants, juries, and court personnel and must have a thorough understanding of the law.

There are five possible routes to becoming a state judge:

• merit selection
• appointment by the governor
• partisan election
• nonpartisan election
• legislative election

To become a federal judge like a Supreme Court justice, you will have to be nominated by the President of the U.S. and confirmed by the Senate. This role is a lifetime appointment.

Because many judgeships are elected positions—with lifetime appointments at the federal level—it can be hard to find a vacancy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this career will grow at 1% over the next decade, which is slower than average.

Skills Needed To Become a Judge

Whether you work in a court of appeals or a state court, every judge must have strong communication and critical thinking skills, display empathy, and have a firm understanding of the law. High school students interested in one day becoming judges can join their school's debate team to learn how to research a case and argue their position.

Even with a strong focus on justice and law, this job is people-focused above all. Those interested in becoming judges should be willing not only to advance their legal careers but also to make a positive impression on every person they encounter.

Key skills for judges include:

• critical thinking and problem-solving
• strong verbal and written communication
• impartiality and fairness
• decision-making under pressure
• legal knowledge and attention to detail
• empathy and respect for diverse perspectives
• leadership and courtroom management 

FAQs About Becoming a Judge

These are common questions about pursuing a judgeship, covering education, experience, and the process of securing an appointment or election.

What Degree Do You Need To Become a Judge?

A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school is the standard requirement for becoming a judge. Some states allow limited judgeships without a law degree, but most judges hold a JD to ensure they have advanced legal training and courtroom knowledge.

Can You Become a Judge Without Being a Lawyer?

Most judges are lawyers first, but there are exceptions in some states. In limited jurisdiction courts, individuals without law degrees may be appointed or elected, though these roles typically involve smaller cases and limited authority compared to full judgeships.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Become a Judge?

There is no national minimum age to become a judge. However, because of the years of education and experience required, most judges are in their 30s or 40s by the time they secure their first appointment or election.

What Is the Fastest Path To Becoming a Judge?

The fastest route to become a judge involves completing an accelerated bachelor’s degree and law school program, taking the bar exam quickly, and starting work as an attorney or clerk. Building experience and professional reputation early can shorten the timeline, but most paths still take at least 10 years.

How Competitive Is It To Become a Judge?

Judgeships are limited and highly competitive. Success depends on a candidate’s legal track record, reputation, and often political or professional connections. Because of the small number of available positions, persistence and networking are essential.

Can You Be a Judge Without Going To Law School?

You do not have to complete law school to be a judge, but you do have to pass the bar exam and practice law in the state in which you hope to become a judge. There are 24 states where you can become a judge and preside over some cases without prior legal experience.

What Are the Qualifications for Becoming a Federal Judge?

There are no specific qualifications for becoming a federal judge, but it's best to have a thorough understanding of the law and a proven track record. Since federal judges are appointed by the President, senators or sometimes members of the House of Representatives will recommend potential nominees. If you want to become a federal magistrate, you must meet specific requirements and be vetted by a panel before being appointed.

Explore Accredited Law Degrees Today

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