The United States legal system ensures that all the people living in the country abide by all the laws. The court system, headed by judges, supervises trials and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Judges have numerous responsibilities, including ensuring the laws are being followed correctly and overseeing hearings and trials to make sure they are conducted fairly. So how can someone become a judge? Read on, to find out.
- Go to college. The first step is earning a bachelor's degree.
- Go to law school. Study for and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Apply to and get accepted to a law school. After three years of study, you will earn your law degree.
- Become a lawyer. With your law degree in hand, apply for admission to the bar in the state in which you want to practice. Before you're admitted to the bar, you must pass a test and undergo a background check. Now you're able to practice law.
- Get experience. If you want to become a judge, it's a good idea to work for a judge as a law clerk. However, practicing law in any capacity will provide you with experience. When a seat as a judge becomes vacant, submit your name to the nominating committee for consideration.
- Become a judge. Judges are either appointed or elected. Either way, aspiring judges must have a good reputation within the legal profession. It's also important to have some political support and be well connected with those that make the decisions.
- Continue your education. Whether appointed or elected, judges must participate in a training session administered by the state. It's imperative to continue your education and training even after you become a judge.
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