Judges Job Description, Duties & Salary

Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements

Certification or Licensing

Most judges have working experience as lawyers, and every state requires that lawyers be admitted to the bar of that state before they can practice. They require that applicants graduate from an approved law school and that they pass a written examination in the state in which they intend to practice. In a few states, graduates of law schools within the state are excused from these written examinations. After lawyers have been admitted to the bar in one state, they can practice in another state without taking a written examination if the states have reciprocity agreements; however, they will be required to meet certain state standards of good character and legal experience and pay any applicable fees.

Federal courts and agencies have their own rules regulating admission to practice. Other requirements vary among the states. A few states accept the study of law by correspondence. Some states require that newly graduated lawyers serve a period of clerkship in an established law firm before they are eligible to take the bar examination.

Most judges must have a law license. They must also maintain their law license and good standing with their state bar association while working as a judge.

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