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Judge

Judges preside over court proceedings, ensuring fairness and upholding the law. They hear evidence, interpret and apply the law, and make rulings on legal matters. They also manage courtrooms, ensure order, and maintain the dignity of the court.

Salary Range

with experience

💵

$130K - $150K

per year

Benefits and Perks

Explore the typical benefits you might find in this field

🏥

Health Insurance Discount

💳

Company Discounts

🗓

Four-Day Workweek

📈

Professional Development

🏎

Competitive Salary

Length of Training

How many years of training are required to be a Judge?

7

years of training

What's it like to be a Judge?

A Judge's work is demanding and intellectually challenging. It requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to remain calm and impartial under pressure. Judges must also be excellent communicators, able to clearly explain complex legal concepts to both legal professionals and the public.

Key Aspects of the Job

  • Presiding over court proceedings and ensuring fairness
  • Interpreting and applying the law
  • Making rulings on legal matters
  • Managing courtrooms
  • Ensuring order and maintaining the dignity of the court

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How to enter the job?

Becoming a Judge typically involves a combination of education, experience, and passing relevant examinations. Here are the general steps to becoming a Judge in New Zealand:

Educational Requirements

  1. Obtain a law degree (LLB) from a recognized university. This typically takes 3-4 years of full-time study.
  2. Complete a postgraduate law degree (LLM) specializing in criminal law or a related field. This typically takes 1-2 years of full-time study.

Gain Legal Experience

  1. Work as a lawyer or barrister for a minimum of 5-7 years, gaining experience in court appearances and legal argumentation.

Pass the Judicial Entrance Examination

Successfully complete the Judicial Entrance Examination, which assesses legal knowledge, problem-solving skills, and aptitude for judicial work.

Application and Appointment

Submit an application to the Judicial Service Commission for a vacancy on the bench. The application process is highly competitive and involves a rigorous assessment of qualifications, experience, and personal qualities.

Task & Duties

Judges have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Primary Duties

  • Presiding over court proceedings and ensuring fairness
  • Hearing evidence and examining witnesses
  • Interpreting and applying the law to the facts of the case
  • Making rulings on legal issues and issuing judgments
  • Sentencing offenders in criminal cases
  • Managing courtrooms and ensuring order and decorum
  • Providing guidance and mentorship to junior judicial officers
  • Engaging in legal research and writing judgments and opinions
  • Participating in judicial conferences and committees
  • Representing the judiciary at public events and engaging with the community

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