Are there requirements and prerequisites to be a judge

To become a lawyer, law school graduates must pass the state bar examination in their state. After passing the exam, the individual is eligible to work as a professional lawyer at a private legal firm, government agency or other such institution.

Aspiring judges slowly build up a reputation for having sound judgment, integrity and a passion for law in the hopes of being recognized by their peers.

The amount of and type of law experience required of judges varies; some positions may require as much as 10 years of legal experience. Judges are either elected or appointed depending on the court jurisdiction in which they work. The President appoints federal court justices for life, pending Senate approval. About half of state judges are appointed, while the other half are elected by voters. Earning an appointment to a judicial position often involves making community connections as well.

Attorneys and judges can apply for these positions, and the government official who makes the appointment will typically seek the recommendation of a judicial selection committee.

Local and state bar associations may also poll their membership to evaluate judicial candidates and make recommendations. Building a positive reputation in your community and with your colleagues can help you earn a recommendation and possibly an appointment. Since judicial requirements can vary by state, it may help to check what standards your own state has set. States often make this information available through the website of their judicial branch of the office of the governor.

How to Become. Find a Law School. Looking for an Online Law Degree? Search Over 17, Online Programs:. What kind of training is required to become a judge? Are there any certification or licensure requirements? How long does it take to become a judge? What does a judge earn? What are the job prospects? What are the long term career prospects for judges? While there are no specific criteria for becoming a federal judge , most have obtained a law degree and spent time practicing law.

There are several types of federal judges including:. Magistrate Judge. Magistrate courts are a part of the U. This means that they are special courts created by Congress and they handle only certain types of criminal and civil suits. Judges are appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. A judge typically spends 15 years in office. District Court Judge. There are currently 94 district courts.

Each state has at least one district court and larger states are required to have more. Each district court has more than one judge. Larger states may have over 20 judges in one district. Judges are appointed by the President under the advice of a judicial review panel.

Court of Appeals Judge. These judges hear cases involving appeals. They are also appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Supreme Court Judge. When it comes to the judicial system, the Supreme Court is the final deciding body.

The court is located in D. One Chief Justice manages the others.