Judge

Career path and progression

There are structured career development routes in the judiciary, which allow you to move from fee-paid sessional roles in the lower courts through to paid positions in the upper courts.

For example, with experience, you might move from deputy district judge or recorder to become a permanent district judge, circuit judge or high court judge. Beyond that, you could be appointed to the court of appeal.

You can also specialise in particular divisions of the judiciary, like the family courts or employment tribunals.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• leadership skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• pass security checks
• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen

You must retire when you reach 75.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Law - Judges are legal experts who apply the law every day – interpreting statutes, advising juries on points of law, and making rulings based on legal principles. A deep understanding of criminal, civil, and family law is the foundation of everything they do.
• English Language - Judges must listen carefully to complex arguments, question witnesses precisely, and write detailed reports explaining their rulings. The ability to use language with clarity and precision is essential, as their words can determine the outcome of someone's life.
• Politics - Judges work within the UK's constitutional framework and need to understand how Parliament, government, and the courts relate to each other. Knowledge of how laws are made, the separation of powers, and the role of the judiciary in a democracy is central to the job.
• Philosophy - Judges use logic and reasoning to weigh up competing arguments and reach fair decisions. Philosophy develops the skills of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and constructing sound arguments – exactly what judges rely on when making difficult rulings.

Also relevant

• History - Judges interpret laws that have developed over centuries, and much of UK law is based on historical precedent. Understanding how legal systems, rights, and institutions have evolved helps judges place current cases in their proper context.
• Psychology - Judges assess the credibility of witnesses, consider the motivations behind people's actions, and sometimes deal with cases involving mental health. Understanding human behaviour and how people respond under pressure helps them evaluate evidence and make fair judgements.
• Sociology - Judges deal with cases that reflect wider social issues – inequality, family breakdown, immigration, and crime. Understanding how society is structured and how factors like poverty or discrimination affect people's lives helps judges consider the full picture when making decisions.
• Economics - Judges often hear cases involving financial disputes, business contracts, fraud, and employment law. A grasp of economic concepts helps them understand the financial arguments and evidence presented in commercial and civil cases.
• English Literature - Judges spend much of their time reading and interpreting dense, complex texts – from legal submissions to witness statements. The close reading and analytical skills developed through studying literature are directly useful when unpicking the meaning and intent behind written arguments.