Skills and abilities: Impartiality, combined with strong reasoning. Decisiveness, supported by comprehensive legal knowledge and research ability.

What you’ll be doing: Responsibilities vary depending on civil or criminal proceedings, and other factors regarding jurisdiction. Typical day-to-day responsibilities include:

  • Presiding over cases, and reviewing arguments, evidence, and legal briefs
  • Passing verdicts, and deciding sentences for criminal cases
  • Guiding and supporting juries, helping them understand duties
  • Researching judicial trends, and preparing appropriate judgements for cases
  • Work within government guidelines to ensure generally similar sentences for crimes

Career progression: Judges are selected by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).This position requires extensive experience as a Solicitor, Barrister, or top-level Legal Executive. Usually, a part-time supervisory period as Recorder or Deputy Judge before applying for full-time appointments. More senior positions such as High Court Judge and Chief Justice are viable.

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