Judges typically require a law degree and have experience as a lawyer. A federal administrative law judge must also pass a competitive exam from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. A law degree takes 7 years of full-time study after high school which breaks down to 4 years of undergraduate school followed by 3 years of law school. Law degree programs have courses in contracts, property law, constitutional law, legal writing, and civil procedure. Most magistrates and judges must be elected or appointed to their positions, which may require political support. Many state and local judges are appointed to serve fixed renewable terms ranging from 4-14 years.
Judges typically learn through years of experience while practicing law. All states have some orientation for newly elected judges and more than half of all states require judges to take continuing education courses while serving on the bench. Most judges and hearing officers are required to be licensed and must maintain their license and good standing with their state association. There are a few judges that have the appointment for life, like appellate court judges.
