How To Become A Judge
A judge plays a lot of important roles in the pursuit of justice. Judges are well-respected and considered as "the pillar of our entire justice system". One of their main responsibilities is to ensure that court proceedings are conducted impartially in an open court. To be in this top position, one must go through a lot of education and experience. The practice of law involves dealing with other people and winning their respect. Therefore, you must possess the essential reasoning abilities, patience, perseverance and creativity to become efficient in this profession. So if ever you are considering yourself to become one, keep reading this article and be informed on the ways of how to become a judge.
Education
First of all, you need to earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree. After which, you need to take and pass the Law School Admission Test to be accepted in a law school. This usually takes 3 years to finish and by then, you can obtain a receipt of Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Adding up four years for bachelors degree and three years in law school you get 7 years total education required.
Pass the bar
Before you can practice law, you need to apply for the bar admission by passing an examination and undergoing a background check. This would usually depend on the state in which you wish to practice.
The Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE) is a multiple-choice test that contains 200 questions. While most law students are able to pass it, you are well advised to take it seriously. Not only should you study hard but you should go through a test preparation course or program.
Gain experience
Earn enough experience through practicing law in your optimum capacity. Apply for a position when there is an opening in the court you prefer to practice. It is suggested to work as a law clerk for a judge.
Once you’re confident enough with your years of experience and additional education, you can now submit your name along with the needed requirements to the nomination committee if ever the seat as a judge has became vacant and ready to be filled in.
Get elected (or appointed)
Be appointed or elected. The procedure for choosing a judge would typically depend on the type of court where you practice. Always remember that people in this position have a good reputation and impression not only to the judicial nominating commission members but also to the community. Political supports and connections would be of great help since this is a very competitive field.
Be ready for your new job
Once appointed and pledged, be sure to attend orientations and training for new judges.
Continuing education
Don’t stop learning. Being appointed doesn’t end your quest to continue learning and improve your skills. Take up continuing education courses and undergo seminars and trainings that could improve and boost your judicial career.
Now that you are aware of the complicated ways on how to become a judge I am sure you are more thrilled and excited to become one. As the cliché goes: “with great power comes a great responsibility”, hard work, effort, intellectual abilities and extraordinary skills are required for someone to be in this prestigious position. You need to have an unbiased judgment to be able to give justice to those who are worthy and in need of it. Soar high and be one of the future judge of the country.
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