Judge

Explore This Path

Shape justice by making crucial decisions in criminal and civil court cases.
Ensure fair trials and uphold the law, impacting society positively.
Unique role: officiate weddings and guide juries in legal proceedings.

💰 Earn $0-$0

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 3.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
Write decisions on cases.
Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

1,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$148,910 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Judge? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@judgeshequittakelly

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Relating with or serving others

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Instructing
Learning Strategies
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Judge

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Hybrid College

A hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years