CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Judge: Australian Careers in Law

0 Course

On this page

What is a Judge?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Judge?

Judges preside over civil and criminal hearings in courts of law. They ensure trials are fair and run according to the law. This role needs deep legal knowledge, strong thinking skills, and the ability to stay impartial at all times.

The daily duties of a Judge are varied. They run court hearings, rule on evidence, and write judgments that explain their decisions. These judgments build the body of case law that guides future courts.

Judges review case files and do legal research in their chambers. During hearings, they guide juries, answer procedural questions, and maintain order. Clear communication is essential to keep proceedings running smoothly and fairly.

A career as a Judge suits those with a deep care for justice and the rule of law. Most judges are appointed after many years as a barrister or senior solicitor. It is one of the most respected careers in the Australian legal system.

Icon

Career snapshots For Judges

Around 740 judges are employed in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Future demand is rated as Strong (Your Career, 2025). Most judges work full-time, with a part-time share of just 8%. The median age is 60, reflecting the long career path required before a judicial appointment. The average pay is around $141,000 per year (Your Career, 2025). Senior roles at state Supreme Court level earn over $470,000 per year, based on recent pay tribunal data.

What will I do?

Judges play a central role in the Australian legal system. They preside over hearings, apply the law, and deliver decisions that affect individuals and communities. Each day brings a range of tasks that need legal skill, sharp thinking, and steady fairness.

  • Presiding over court hearings – Judges manage proceedings so trials run fairly and follow legal protocols.
  • Interpreting laws – They apply statutes and case law to the cases before them.
  • Making rulings – Judges decide on motions, evidence, and other legal matters that arise during hearings.
  • Writing judgments – They draft written opinions that explain the legal reasoning behind their decisions.
  • Conducting legal research – Judges research relevant laws, precedents, and legislation to support their rulings.
  • Managing courtroom procedures – They maintain order and ensure court protocols are followed at all times.
  • Meeting with legal counsel – Judges hold pre-trial meetings to discuss case management and procedural matters.
  • Participating in judicial training – They attend programs run by the National Judicial College of Australia (NJCA).
  • Community engagement – Some judges take part in public education programs about the legal system.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Judge requires a wide range of legal and personal skills. Judges must have a thorough knowledge of the law and years of legal practice. Sharp thinking and strong problem-solving skills are essential for reading complex laws and case law.

Strong communication skills help Judges explain rulings clearly to all parties in court. They also need high integrity and the ability to stay fair under pressure. Emotional awareness helps them manage sensitive cases with care and skill.

Skills/attributes

  • Deep knowledge of law and legal principles
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Impartiality and fairness in decision-making
  • Clear written and oral communication
  • Sound judgment under pressure
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to manage a heavy caseload
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Extensive practical legal experience
  • Ability to interpret and apply legal principles
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Ability to work with court staff and legal professionals
  • Courtroom presence and public speaking skills
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.