Requirements

Judge - requirements

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.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a judge?

Subject areas to consider when starting your career path include:

If your undergraduate degree is not in law, you’ll need to do a law conversion course, known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). You’ll then need to work in law for five to seven years before applying for consideration as a judge.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a judge?

You don’t specifically need a postgraduate qualification to become a judge, although it can be helpful to study one if your first degree isn’t in law.

Examples of relevant degrees at postgraduate level include:

LLM law
Legal studies
Legal practice
Bar training course

What skills do you need to be a judge?

As well as an in-depth knowledge of the law, you’ll need active listening skills and excellent attention to detail.

Hard skills usually include:

Relevant legal qualifications
Knowledge of court proceedings
Government regulations
IT

Soft skills include:

Active listening skills
Attention to detail
Authority
Communication
Impartiality
Reasoning and logic

Do you need work experience to be a judge?

You’ll need a minimum of five to seven years’ post-qualification experience to become a judge. This could be as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive.

Before applying to become a judge, you can take part in the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme. This will give you an insight into what it’s like in the role, through shadowing and work experience.