In most places, there are two ways to become a family law judge: appointment or election. In either case, certain family law training and expertise are almost always required. All family law judges began their careers as family law attorneys, and the majority have worked in the field for a long time.
A jurisdiction’s detailed requirements for becoming a family law judge are uncommon, but judges usually have extensive experience litigating and practicing family law. To be an effective family law judge, you must first comprehend the complexities of the cases you will hear. You’ll also need to persuade those in charge of your selection that you’re qualified for the job. Experience is the most common way to gain this kind of knowledge.
The primary responsibility of a family law judge is to preside over a family court. In almost all cases, family court is where families are dismantled: it’s where divorces are granted, restraining orders against spouses are issued, and decisions about child custody and care are made. Being a family law judge necessitates not only legal knowledge, but also compassion and a measure of practical wisdom. It’s also beneficial to be able to emotionally detach from difficult decisions.
Judges of all courts, including family law courts, are appointed some law council body or official in most countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, judicial appointments are made a government official known as the Lord High Chancellor. Family law judges are typically chosen based on their experience as family law barristers.
Throughout much of the European Union, a similar system exists (EU). Each country appoints its own family law judges, who are chosen from among the best family lawyers in the country. A family law judge from an EU country may work in his own country’s family law courts or, on a rotating basis, in the larger, overarching EU courts. Each EU country has its own set of criteria for appointing judges, but most of them require graduation from a national law school and a certain number of years of formal family law training.
Some appointments are made solely on the basis of a lawyer’s reputation, but this is not always the case. Family lawyers who want to be considered for judicial positions have several options for bringing their candidacy to the attention of selection officials. Some countries accept nominations through open calls. Almost all will allow interested lawyers to meet with the selection committee to present their case. To find out how to best promote your own judicial candidacy, contact your local bar association.
In the United States, things are a little different. Although some family law judges are appointed state governors, the majority are elected. The policies of different states differ. In most election jurisdictions, a candidate for family law judge must declare his or her intention to run several months before the election. Some jurisdictions, but not all, allow judges to declare their political affiliations.
If you want to be a family law judge in an election jurisdiction, you should get a copy of the nomination and election requirements for your jurisdiction well ahead of any deadlines. Most jurisdictions have strict requirements for what kind of credentials and legal training you need to run. There are usually election-specific rules that you must follow as well. Your local election board, as well as your bar association, should have the rules.