3 answers
Deisy
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
520 views
What studies do you need to become a judge?
I am also interested in law, but I want to know the difference between the education judges and lawyers have and how I can explore more about judge's careers. #law-enforcement #law #career
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3 answers
Tania N. Archer
Attorney
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Tania N.’s Answer
In order to be a judge, you need a record as a good attorney, preferably in the area of law that you will preside over. For example, practicing family law would give you the experience and knowledge needed to be a family court judge. It would also give you credibility to gain votes to be elected to a judicial position or to be appointed to a judicial position.
In order to become an attorney, you actually don’t have to major in any particular area of study. Political Science is a great area of study to prepare for law, but your grades/GPA in whatever subject you study in college are actually more important. I double majored in English and Spanish before being admitted to law school; and in addition to grades/GPA, my extracurricular activities, LSAT scores (standardized tests) and personal statement (part of the law school application) were all considered. Once you graduate from law school, you will need to pass the Bar Exam in whatever state you choose to live to begin practicing law.
Focus on developing good study habits and getting good grades now and going forward. Also, figure out what you are interested in and let that guide your choices for clubs and outside events, as well as your high school track of classes and college major. That will lay the foundation for the amazing career path you have ahead of you! Good luck!
In order to become an attorney, you actually don’t have to major in any particular area of study. Political Science is a great area of study to prepare for law, but your grades/GPA in whatever subject you study in college are actually more important. I double majored in English and Spanish before being admitted to law school; and in addition to grades/GPA, my extracurricular activities, LSAT scores (standardized tests) and personal statement (part of the law school application) were all considered. Once you graduate from law school, you will need to pass the Bar Exam in whatever state you choose to live to begin practicing law.
Focus on developing good study habits and getting good grades now and going forward. Also, figure out what you are interested in and let that guide your choices for clubs and outside events, as well as your high school track of classes and college major. That will lay the foundation for the amazing career path you have ahead of you! Good luck!
Joan Coughey
Teacher Grade 6
16
Answers
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joan’s Answer
Hi Deisy,
You sound like a very dedicated student!
The first thing you want to do is make sure you have good grades when you finish High School. That will help you get into a good college.
Wanting to follow this career path is a good, but difficult path. You need to ask yourself one question...Do you love to read? This is an important question as becoming a lawyer then hopefully appointed as a judge requires A LOT a reading of case study. Of course this would all happen after you completed a four year degree most likely in Political Science. After this you would take the LSAT’s. This is the entry examine to begin law school. This score needs to be high to gain entrance to a decent University that offers this advanced field of study.
Once accepted to law school you can plan on three years of advance law study (this is where you will be completing a lot of reading) and most likely an internship with an actual law firm.
After, you will need to take the Bar Exam (competency test) to prove you know enough to practice law.
Next, you will need to establish yourself as a lawyer. There are multiple avenues to can take to achieve this, but you reputation as a good lawyer will set you up to be appointed OR try to win an elected position for a judge.
This career path is a good one, but it does take lots of time and great effort. Only you can answer the question that you are prepared to sacrifice your time and money to pursue this goal. At this time the field of law is saturated of candidates who are trying to break into this field.
If you really want this you can do this!
You sound like a very dedicated student!
The first thing you want to do is make sure you have good grades when you finish High School. That will help you get into a good college.
Wanting to follow this career path is a good, but difficult path. You need to ask yourself one question...Do you love to read? This is an important question as becoming a lawyer then hopefully appointed as a judge requires A LOT a reading of case study. Of course this would all happen after you completed a four year degree most likely in Political Science. After this you would take the LSAT’s. This is the entry examine to begin law school. This score needs to be high to gain entrance to a decent University that offers this advanced field of study.
Once accepted to law school you can plan on three years of advance law study (this is where you will be completing a lot of reading) and most likely an internship with an actual law firm.
After, you will need to take the Bar Exam (competency test) to prove you know enough to practice law.
Next, you will need to establish yourself as a lawyer. There are multiple avenues to can take to achieve this, but you reputation as a good lawyer will set you up to be appointed OR try to win an elected position for a judge.
This career path is a good one, but it does take lots of time and great effort. Only you can answer the question that you are prepared to sacrifice your time and money to pursue this goal. At this time the field of law is saturated of candidates who are trying to break into this field.
If you really want this you can do this!
Mauro Blardony
Recruiter
61
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
I am not judge nor lawyer but i have friends who I have witnessed the struggles to become a lawyer. I would believe Poly Sci is the way to become. You start as a lawyer then you maneuver your way around from being a prosecutor and/or public defendant. I believe after you rack an experience for either both side not too sure from then but i believe you would need to apply and if not appointed.