Judges Job Description, Duties & Salary

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

As an undergraduate student, try to participate in an internship at a courthouse, law firm, or other legal employer. Additionally, many private public defense organizations offer internships. While in law school, it's a good idea to participate in a judicial clerkship. A clerkship with a judge will provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at the court system and the issues judges and lawyers deal with daily. Participation in school-sponsored legal clinics, in practice trials under the supervision of experienced attorneys, and in your school’s moot court competitions also provide excellent experience.

Successful judges have excellent critical-thinking and decision-making skills. They are able to pay close attention to legal proceedings and be able to apply the rules of law without any biases. They have strong reading and writing skills. They should have a strong, clear speaking voice so as to convey confidence in courtroom and other legal settings. Other important traits include good listening skills; a detail-oriented personality; strong ethics; and good reasoning abilities.

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