Employers

Approximately 25,900 judges are employed in the United States. There are 15,800 administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing offices, of which 89 percent work for state and federal governments, and about 11 percent work for local governments.

Starting Out

Most judges begin their careers as lawyers. So the first steps for starting in this career include graduating from an approved law school and passing a state bar examination. Beginning lawyers usually work as assistants to experienced lawyers, conducting research and going routine work. Many get their first law jobs through internships or clerkships in law offices and judges offices. They may start out at an established law firm or enter into partnership with another lawyer. Positions are also available with banks, business corporations, insurance companies, private utilities, and with a number of government agencies at different levels. With years of experience in practicing law, they may seek a seat as a local, state, or federal judge.

Judges usually advance from lower courts to higher courts either in terms of the matters that are decided or in terms of the level—local, state, or federal. They advance by moving to courts with broader jurisdiction. They also advance by continuing their education while serving on the bench.

Use the NALP Directory of Legal Employers (https://www.nalpdirectory.com) to search for employers by location, employer type, practice area, and other criteria.

Read publications such as The Judges Journal (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/judicial/publications/judges_journal) to learn more about the field.

Visit the National Judicial Colleges Web site (https://www.judges.org/resources) for career resources, articles and reports about justice issues and court operations, and other helpful information.

Begin the first steps toward a future careers as a judge by working as an intern or law clerk in a judges office.