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Judge Career Requirements
Judges and magistrates serve at the local, county, state, and federal levels, administering legal proceedings in courts and mediation centers. Most judges oversee civil and criminal proceedings, directing pretrial hearings and trials with or without juries. Administrative law judges are employed by governmental agencies to make rulings on policy. Arbitrators work in judicial capacities, ruling in business or legal disputes.
Judge career requirements vary by federal, state, and local statutes. Judges can be appointed, elected, or qualify after passing law examinations. While some judges with work experience can find positions with a bachelor's degree, most judges are former lawyers or administrators who have completed law school. Federal judges are required to be lawyers at the time they pursue positions at the head of the bench.
Judge terms can vary by appointment or election depending on the federal, state, or local jurisdiction.
Judge Career Educational Requirements
State and local regulations vary, but most reflect the federal policy and do not have specific licensing requirements for assuming a role as a judge. Many states do not require judges to hold a law degree, but career opportunities are better for those who have them.
More than half of the states currently require judges to pursue continuing education in the law. Federal judges receive training by the American Bar Association, The National Center for State Courts, The Federal Judicial Center, and The National Judicial College.
Arbitrators and mediators can receive training at post-secondary schools and law colleges. Most mediators pursue advanced degrees or certificates in law, mediation and conflict resolution, or public policy.
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