Judge: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Judge do?

A Judge presides over court proceedings, either alone or as a part of a panel of judges. They interpret and apply the law to the cases presented in their courtroom, ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice.

Judges conduct pretrial hearings, resolve administrative disputes, facilitate negotiations between parties, and issue legal decisions. They interpret the intent of laws, assess the presented evidence, and control how hearings and trials unfold in their courtrooms. A Judge’s role is crucial in safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties, maintaining decorum in the courtroom, and delivering verdicts or judgments based on statutes, precedents, and fair practice.

Judges work closely with court staff and must maintain a high standard of legal ethics and personal integrity.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Judges in the Legal field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Oversee the legal process in court and make decisions on motions, legal objections, and admissibility of evidence.
• Hear allegations in criminal and civil cases and make rulings based on the law and evidence presented.
• Issue legal decisions or verdicts, write opinions, and manage legal proceedings efficiently to ensure cases are resolved timely.
• Instruct juries on laws that are pertinent to cases, supervise jury deliberations, and accept their verdicts.
• Sentence convicted offenders in criminal cases.
• Manage court proceedings to ensure all activities comply with the rules and regulations of the judicial system.
• Conduct administrative duties such as case management and document signing.

How to Become a Judge

Launching a career as a Judge requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Extensive experience as a practicing lawyer, typically a minimum of 5-10 years.
• Appointed or elected to the position depending on the jurisdiction. This may include passing a judicial exam and fulfilling other regional requirements.
• High standing in the legal community and impeccable ethical record.

Requirements & Skills

• Exceptional knowledge of the law and its applications.
• Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain impartial and uphold the integrity of the court.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• High moral character and the ability to resolve complex legal issues.

Judge Salary Guide

Wondering what Judges earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Judge in the U.S. is approximately $142,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Judges may receive a wide range of benefits.

Judge Salary Career Steps