How do I become a judge?

Question

Originally I wanted to be a lawyer, but the more I think about it, the more I want to be a Juvenile Court judge. What I want to know is:

-How long do I have to be a lawyer before I can become a judge?
-How are Juvenile Court judges selected, or what's the process to become a Juvenile Court judge?
-What kind of salary can I expect as a judge?
-What kind of hours do Juvenile Court judges work?
-Are Juvenile Court judges limited to Juvenile Court, or do they judge in trials court as well???

I know those are a lot of questions, but if someone could please answer, I'd REALLY appreciate it!

In the State of California

Answer 1

what state bud? it depends on the state. some may elect some may appoint. laws are different
go here:
http://www.ajs.org/js/CA_methods.htm

Answer 2

In most places you have to be a lawyer first.

Most judges are elected. So, you gotta get more votes.
Juvenile judges are elected also. But if there is a vacancy, the Governor can appoint them. In busy juvenile courts, the judge can appoint and pay a magistrate or master.
All judges work long hours.
Judges are paid on state schedules and it varies widely from state to state.
Depending on where you are, you may only have juvenile jurisdiction, or you may be a judge in a court with general jurisdiction concurrent with juvenile jurisdiction.

Answer 3

Here's the deal.
Go to school. It takes a while.
Study hard and you'll have plenty of time to figure it all out.
Your questions are all too preliminary.
Go to school!

OK...OK... There is one other way. Call, write or email the University of P.O.BOX 2000 somewhere down in Fla.
For a small fee they will send you a certificate with big black letters on the front that says,
I BE A JUDGE! (or anything you want)
Then all you have to do is buy a robe, walk into the court and start judging.
I don't know how well this second method works but I suppose it's worth a try.
What could it hurt?

I'm going to get one that says,
I BE A BRANE SURGEON!

Answer 4

If you're in California, you do not need to go to law school to take the Bar Exam. However, you will need at least a year of legal experience. You can find it at any law firm. The bar is tough. In California, it's a three day bar exam. You have to be as tough as nails.

To get a judgeship, you'll need to be elected or appointed. Not sure which system California uses.

In order to get elected or appointed, you'll need to demonstrate a solid legal career. There's no minimum time frame on that.

Answer 5

In most states judges are by appointment. If you want to be appointed as a judge get involved in your states politics. Working as a precinct committeeman for your party is usually the bottom starting point. Go to party functions and donating to campaigns is usually helpful too.

Answer 6

dont know but think u gotta be a laywer for 4 years