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Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

Legal (23-1023)

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

At a Glance

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates earns a median of $156,210/yr with +2.5% projected growth. Typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree. Top skills: Integrity, Dependability, Attention to Detail.

Median Annual Wage

$156,210/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+2.5%

Annual Openings

1

Typical Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (12)

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

5.0
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.9
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.3
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

4.3
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

4.1
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

4.1
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.1
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

4.0
Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

4.0
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.9
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.4
Negotiation

Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

3.3

Knowledge (5)

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

4.9
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.5
Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

3.6
Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

3.4
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.3

Abilities (12)

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.6
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.6
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.4
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.3
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.3
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

4.1
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.1
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.9
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.3

Technology (6)

Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (19)

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.9
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.8
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

4.6
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.5
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.4
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

4.2
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.2
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.9
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.8
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.8
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.6
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.6
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.5
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.5
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.5
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.4

Work Styles (5)

Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

5.0
Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

5.0
Cautiousness

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

4.3
Intellectual Curiosity

A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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