The role of a judge carries immense responsibility – ensuring justice is served fairly and impartially. Judges are respected figures in the UK legal system who uphold the rule of law, safeguard rights, and make decisions that impact both individuals and society.
But how does one become a judge? While becoming a lawyer is relatively straightforward, you can’t step into a judiciary role immediately after graduation. Judges are appointed only after years of legal practice, making the path one that demands dedication, skill, and patience.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about building a career as a judge in the UK: the different types of judges, the qualifications and experience required, the routes to becoming a judge, and what to expect from this career. Whether you’re a law student planning ahead or a qualified lawyer considering your next step, this overview will help you understand the journey to the bench.
What is a Judge?
A judge is a legal professional who presides over court proceedings, making ruling, and passing sentences based on the provided evidence. Judges make decisions on criminal, civil, and family cases, depending on their court level and specialisation.
They are independent from the government, upholding the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
What Are the Different Types of Judges in the UK?
Just as there are different areas of law, the judiciary also offers a variety of roles. Judges in the UK are appointed at different levels, each with specific responsibilities.
While the roles below are the ones most aspiring judges will aim for, it’s worth remembering that the judiciary in the UK is much broader. Judges work across courts and tribunals, handling everything from serious criminal trials to sensitive family or immigration cases.
Some roles are paid, while others are fee-paid part-time positions that can act as a stepping stone into full-time judicial work. There are also opportunities to take on leadership or specialist tribunal roles, depending on your experience and area of law. The court system has developed over centuries, so while it can seem complex, it also offers a wide range of career paths for lawyers interested in judicial appointments.
High Court Judge
High Court Judges sit in one of the High Court divisions – the King’s Bench, Family or the Chancery Division – dealing with complex civil cases, family law, and serious criminal appeals, and assisting the Lord and Lady Justices to hear appeals. They are among the most senior judges and are usually appointed after many years of legal practice.
Circuit Judge
Circuit Judges preside in Crown and County Courts within their particular region. They handle a mix of serious criminal trials, civil disputes, and family cases depending on the authorisation they hold.
District Judge
District Judges sit in County Courts and Magistrates’ Courts, often dealing with civil claims, small claims, and family matters. They are full-time judges but at a more local level than Circuit Judges.
Recorder
Recorders sit in both Crown and County Courts and are part-time judges, usually practising barristers or solicitors who take on judicial duties alongside their legal work.
Their legal authority is generally similar to that of a Circuit Judge but on simpler, less important matters coming before the court. Along with managing trial preparations, Recorders deliver judgments in both applications and contested trials. Many future Circuit Judges or High Court Judges begin their judicial careers as Recorders.
Magistrates
Magistrates (also called Justices of the Peace) are volunteer judges who deal with less serious criminal cases, family proceedings, and some civil matters. They do not need formal legal qualifications but receive training and work alongside legal advisers.
How to Become a Judge in the UK?
Becoming a judge is a structured process that combines academic study, extensive professional practice, and meaningful personal development. For most judicial roles, the journey begins with completing a law degree (or a conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law), followed by professional training as a solicitor or barrister.
Candidates then need to gain at least 5–7 years of post-qualification experience in legal practice before they can be considered.
Once eligible, aspiring judges must apply through the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), which manages the selection process. This includes written applications, role-play assessments, and interviews to test both legal expertise and key judicial qualities such as impartiality, communication, and sound judgment. Successful candidates then receive initial judicial training before taking up their role.
Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Judge in the UK
Complete a Law Degree (LLB) or a non-law degree followed by a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
Undertake professional training – the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or the Bar Training Course (BTC), depending on whether you pursue the solicitor or barrister route.
Qualify as a solicitor or barrister and obtain your practising certificate.
Gain substantial legal experience (at least 5–7 years post-qualification) in your chosen field.
Apply through the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) when vacancies open for judicial roles you’re eligible for.
Complete assessments and interviews designed to evaluate your legal expertise, decision-making, and judicial skills.
Undertake judicial training before officially starting your role on the bench.
Core Requirements
Full eligibility requirements may differ for each role. For example, for some appointments, the Lord Chancellor may set extra requirements, such as prior judicial experience, expertise in a specific area of law, or membership in a professional body. Before applying for a judge role, it’s important to carefully review these and consider whether you’re ready to take on the responsibility.
Below you can find the current core requirements:
Nationality
You must be a citizen of the UK, the Commonwealth, or the Republic of Ireland. Note: even if you meet nationality requirements, you must still prove your legal right to work in the UK at the time of appointment. Citizens of other countries (including EU member states) are not eligible.
Education
To apply for most judicial roles, you must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive. This involves completing a law degree (or a conversion course), followed by professional training and practical experience. For guidance on selecting the right law school, check out our guide: Best Law Schools in the UK & How to Choose the Right One.
Note: Magistrates don’t need a formal legal qualification or legal background. However, they should demonstrate specific skills, which we’ll explore later in this guide.
Experience
To become a judge in the UK a law degree alone is not enough – you’ll also need to have significant post-qualification legal experience.
- For District Judge or Recorder roles, this is usually 5–7 years of legal practice.
- For High Court Judge positions, candidates typically have at least 10–15 years of experience.
This experience ensures you can demonstrate not only technical legal ability but also decision-making, case management, and leadership skills and may include:
- Practicing law as a solicitor or barrister.
- Teaching and researching law.
- Serving as a mediator or arbitrator.
- Working as a legal academic.
Skills and Abilities
Judges are expected to demonstrate a wide range of skills that go beyond pure legal knowledge. The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) assesses candidates against a framework of skills and abilities designed to ensure fairness, independence, and professionalism in the role. The key areas include:
Legal and Analytical Skills – Judges need strong intellectual ability, a solid grasp of the law, and the capacity to apply legal knowledge to both familiar and new areas. They must also show a commitment to keeping their skills and knowledge up to date.
Decision-Making and Judgement – A good judge can absorb information quickly, identify the key legal and factual issues, and reach logical, well-reasoned conclusions. Decisiveness and sound judgement are essential, especially under pressure.
Communication – Judges must be excellent communicators. This means active listening, showing patience and respect in court, and explaining decisions clearly in both written and spoken form, using language that everyone can understand.
Personal Qualities – Integrity, impartiality, independence, and fairness are at the core of judicial work. Judges must be resilient, calm under pressure, and open-minded, with a strong sense of responsibility for maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Working with Others – While judges make independent decisions, they are also part of a wider judicial system. They are expected to work efficiently, treat colleagues with respect, and embrace diversity and inclusion. Digital competence is increasingly important too.
Leadership (for senior roles) – At higher levels, judges may need to lead teams, manage court operations, or shape strategic priorities. Strong leadership involves motivating others, creating an inclusive culture, and ensuring cases are handled efficiently.
Good Character
Candidates must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and no history of serious misconduct or criminal activity.
Age
There is no strict upper or lower age limit, but judges must retire at 75. Applicants are expected to have a “reasonable length of service” (usually at least three to five years) before retirement.
Different Types of Judge Paths
The actual path to becoming a judge can often vary depending on the specific judge role you are aiming for. Some positions, like Recorder, are often entry points into the judiciary, while others, like High Court Judge, require decades of experience. Below is an outline of how to become some of the key types of judges in the UK.
How To Become a High Court Judge
High Court Judges are among the most senior judges in England and Wales. To be appointed, you’ll typically need at least 10–15 years’ experience as a barrister or solicitor advocate with a strong track record in complex cases.
Many High Court Judges are first appointed to roles such as Recorder or Circuit Judge before progressing. The appointment process is extremely competitive, requiring clear evidence of legal excellence, strong judgement, and the ability to manage high-profile cases.
How to Become a Circuit Judge
Circuit Judges are often the next step after working as a Recorder. To apply, you’ll usually need at least 7 years’ post-qualification experience as a barrister, solicitor, or Chartered Legal Executive.
The Judicial Appointments Commission looks for candidates with proven trial experience and the ability to manage a heavy caseload. Circuit Judges handle a mix of criminal, civil, and family cases, making versatility a key skill.
How to Become a District Judge
District Judges are responsible for handling civil claims, family disputes, and some criminal matters. To apply, you’ll need a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience, usually as a solicitor or barrister.
Many candidates apply directly to become District Judges without holding prior judicial roles, although experience as a fee-paid judge (such as a Recorder or Tribunal Judge) is often advantageous.
How to Become a Magistrate Judge
Unlike other judicial roles, you don’t need a legal background or professional qualifications to apply as a magistrate. What matters most is demonstrating the right qualities and mindset to carry out the role fairly and responsibly. Applicants are assessed against five core attributes:
- Making fair and balanced decisions
Magistrates must be able to weigh up evidence objectively, follow a logical process when reaching conclusions, and ensure their decisions are transparent and impartial. This requires the ability to absorb information quickly, pick out what’s most important, and base judgments on clear reasoning.
- Respecting different perspectives
A good magistrate shows understanding of people from all walks of life. This means treating individuals with empathy and compassion, while also being aware of wider social issues that may affect them. It’s about recognising diversity and being open to viewpoints that differ from your own.
- Communicating clearly and respectfully
Strong listening skills are essential. Magistrates must be able to hear cases attentively, express their own views with confidence and sensitivity, and adapt their communication style depending on the situation. They should also be able to explain the reasoning behind their decisions in a way that everyone involved can understand.
- Staying self-aware and open to growth
Magistrates are expected to remain reflective and willing to learn. This includes listening to feedback, adapting to new challenges, and keeping their knowledge up to date. They should also have strategies to manage pressure and maintain their own wellbeing, ensuring they perform effectively in court.
- Working collaboratively and professionally
Finally, magistrates must be approachable, reliable, and able to work well with others. They are expected to build trust, encourage participation, and handle discussions in a fair and inclusive way. This includes challenging bias—both in themselves and in others—while maintaining professionalism at all times.
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How Long Does it Take to Become a Judge?
The path to becoming a judge in the UK varies depending on the role and prior experience.
Magistrates
There is no set legal career requirement. The application and training process typically takes several months, including selection, induction, and mentoring before handling cases independently.
Legally qualified judges
For roles such as District Judge, Circuit Judge, or High Court Judge, candidates usually need significant legal experience, often a minimum of 5-7 years as a qualified solicitor or barrister. For someone without a law background, the path is considerably longer:
- Law degree – usually 3 years full-time.
- Legal practice course (LPC) or bar training – 1 year.
- Post-qualification experience – at least 7 years of legal practice.
Altogether, this means a candidate without a law background would require approximately 11–12 years before becoming eligible to apply.
JAC assessment and selection
After meeting eligibility criteria, candidates undergo the Judicial Appointments Commission’s selection process, which evaluates judicial skills, decision-making, communication, and personal qualities. This assessment can take several months, including application review, testing, interviews, and references.
Overall, becoming a judge is a long-term commitment. For non-legally qualified candidates, the full path from starting a law degree to potential appointment can span over a decade, while legally qualified candidates typically progress within 7–10 years, depending on experience and readiness for assessment.
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What is Average Judge Salary in the UK in 2025?
Judges in the UK are paid according to a structured salary scale (ranging from Band 1 to Band 8. with Band 1 be the highest paying) set by the government, with earnings varying depending on seniority and the type of court in which they serve.
- District Judges can expect salaries starting at around £134,105 per year, while
- Circuit Judges earn closer to £167,167 – £180,522 per year.
- At the higher end, High Court Judges typically receive salaries of about £225,000 annually, and
- Supreme Court Justices earn in the region of £270,000 per year..
These figures reflect the high level of responsibility judges carry, as well as the years of legal training and experience required before appointment.
When compared to lawyer salaries in the UK, judges tend to earn a stable, structured income, whereas lawyers – particularly those in private practice – may have a wider earning range, with the potential for higher salaries in certain areas like corporate or commercial law.
For aspiring legal professionals, it’s worth considering how the judicial path compares with the earning potential of solicitors and barristers over the course of a career.
Conclusion
Becoming a judge in the UK is a challenging journey that blends academic excellence, professional experience, and personal integrity. From completing a law degree to gaining years of courtroom experience, aspiring judges must demonstrate both legal expertise and the personal qualities needed to uphold fairness and justice. While the process can take over a decade, the role offers a unique opportunity to shape the legal system and make a lasting contribution to society.
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FAQs
1. Do I need a law degree to become a judge?
Yes. A qualifying law degree or conversion course (e.g. GDL) is essential, followed by completion of professional training as a solicitor or barrister. Volunteering as a Magistrate however, doesn’t require a law degree.
2. How long does it take to become a judge in the UK?
Typically, it can take 10–15 years. This includes around 3–4 years for a law degree, additional training, and a minimum of 5–7 years of professional legal practice before you can apply.
3. Can I become a judge without being a barrister?
Yes. Both solicitors and barristers can apply for judicial roles, provided they have the necessary qualifications and experience.
4. What skills are most important for judges?
Judges need strong analytical ability, sound judgment, clear communication skills, impartiality, and the ability to manage complex information. They must also demonstrate integrity, fairness, and resilience.
5. What is the starting salary for judges?
Entry-level judicial roles, such as district judges, earn around £100,000 per year, while senior judges, such as High Court judges, earn significantly more. Salaries are based on a structured scale set by the government.
6. Is it difficult to get appointed as a judge?
Yes. Judicial roles are highly competitive, with appointments made through the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). The process involves written applications, assessments, and interviews to ensure fairness and merit-based selection.
