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Judge/Sheriff

Do you want to become a Judge/Sheriff? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

A judge or sheriff presides over law courts and makes judgements based on the evidence presented. Their duties include:

• listening to information or evidence presented in courts
• coming to a decision based on the facts presented
• instructing and advising a jury on evidence when a case is being heard.

Judges and sheriffs work in courts and in an office referred to as ‘chambers'. Working hours vary, depending on the hours the court is in session. Some court sessions can continue into the evening. Travel is sometimes necessary with nights spent away from home. Judges and sheriffs wear formal dress and have to observe the traditions and formality of the court.

District judges earn from £90,760 per year to around £113,121 as a senior district judge. Circuit judges earn from £113,121 a year and High Court judges earn £150,878 a year. Sheriffs earn £116,515 a year, and High Court judges in Scotland earn £155,404.

A judge or sheriff should be able to:

• show an extensive knowledge of all aspects of the law
• understand and interpret complex legal information and arguments
• communicate well with all kinds of court users and with authority
• work well on their own and rely on their own judgement
• deal politely and considerately with people who are very upset or emotional
• take responsibility for the effects of their decisions.

They should be interested in the law and in giving a service to the community.

A judge or sheriff must first qualify as a solicitor, barrister or advocate. For general information on becoming a solicitor, barrister or advocate, see Barrister/Advocate and Solicitor.

In England and Wales, it is normally necessary to serve in a part-time capacity before being appointed to a full-time position as a judge. Applicants need between seven and ten years' experience as a solicitor, barrister or advocate before they are able to apply for a part-time post, for example as a deputy district judge or a recorder. After a period of time sitting in this capacity, applicants become eligible to apply for a full-time position as a district or circuit judge. Entry is very competitive and considerable talent is required to be successful.

Before being appointed, deputy district judges and recorders are required to sit in with an experienced judge, attend a formal training course run by a Judicial Studies Board and to update their knowledge at regular training seminars. Deputy district judges are also assessed by experienced district judges on a regular basis.

In Scotland, training for members of the judiciary is provided by the Judicial Studies Committee and the Judicial Appointments Board deals with appointments.

Progression to senior positions such as Lord Chief Justice, Judges of the Court of Appeal and Master of the Rolls (in England and Wales), and Lord President and Lord Justice Clerk (in Scotland) are made on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

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