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As a judge, crown court judge, high court judge, recorder or tribunal judge, you’ll hear evidence presented to you in civil and criminal court. You’ll interpret the law and make an impartial decision to deliver verdicts and sentences. Keep reading our guide to learn more about how to become a judge and what it’s like as a career.
Becoming a judge takes a lot of time and work experience. You’ll need to have worked as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive for five to seven years. You’ll then need to apply to the JAC to be considered for selection as a judge.
Once appointed, there are specific career paths that can be followed. You might progress from fee-paid roles in the lower courts to paid positions in the upper courts. Alternatively, you could start out as a deputy district judge, before becoming a circuit judge with the ultimate goal of being a high court judge or a judge in the court of appeal.
The Judicial College is officially responsible for the training of judicial office holders in England and Wales, as well as some tribunals around the UK. Private companies, like CILEX, also offer judicial development programmes and give information and training.
Professional organisations you could join include the Law Society, which offers support in becoming a judge.
Use our Career Matcher to see which industries and roles align best with your interests.
