To become a magistrate, you need to be at least 21 years old. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must be able to speak and read the English language. You must also be a citizen of the United States, but you may not have any felony convictions on your record.
If you meet all of these requirements, you can submit an application for appointment as a magistrate in your state. This application will ask for your personal information as well as your background information. You will also be asked to provide references and official documents that prove that you meet the requirements to become a magistrate.
How To Become Magistrate
If you’re interested in the court and legal system, consider pursuing a role as a magistrate. These professionals work in smaller federal or state cases to convict criminals of minor crimes and misdemeanors. You must gain the necessary education, training and skill set to excel as a magistrate. In this article, we review what a magistrate is, the responsibilities they hold, the skills they have and how to become a magistrate.
Showcase your skills with help from a resume expert
What is a magistrate?
A magistrate is a judge who presides in both state and federal court cases. They’re typically allowed to enforce laws, but with limited jurisdictions. Magistrates oversee smaller cases and crimes, like traffic violations, petty thefts or other low-level misdemeanors. During these cases, magistrates have the authority to issue summonses, arrest warrants and search warrants. Magistrates often handle smaller court cases to give more qualified judges time and energy to handle larger and more complex court cases.
Related: How to Become a Judge Step By Step: Your Career Guide
What does a magistrate do?
Magistrates are judges who oversee a variety of court cases and the jury selection process during a felony trial. They’re often in charge of pre-trial issues, like discovery procedures, which involve gathering evidence for upcoming cases. After finishing pre-trial orders, magistrates may draft recommendations and reports of their case findings for the district judge to review. Other common duties a magistrate may hold include:
- Presiding over petty offense and misdemeanor cases
- Issuing arrest warrants, search warrants or summonses during trials or pretrials
- Conducting detention hearings and initial appearance proceedings
- Setting bail or other release conditions to criminals in smaller cases
- Holding preliminary hearings or examinations after evaluating evidence
- Administering oaths to attorneys, witnesses and suspects
- Crafting reports and recommendations for judges to closely examine and consider for upcoming court cases
Magistrate salary and job outlook
The median salary of a magistrate is $136,910 per year, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also projects that the demand for magistrates should grow by 2% over the next 10 years. Since there are more ongoing court cases regularly taking place, the need for magistrates to handle smaller issues and misdemeanors should continue to grow as well.
Magistrate skills
Impressive magistrates must have a professional, calm and mature demeanor at all times during court cases. They should follow rationale thinking and logical problem solving when making difficult legal decisions and administering bail or release conditions. They must also refrain from any bias opinions to ensure a fair and just trial. Common skills a magistrate should have to excel in their role include:
- Listening and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Strong judgement and decision-making abilities
- Written and verbal communication abilities
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Logic and reasoning
- Effective legal knowledge
- Mediation and negotiation abilities
Related: 10 Reasons Why Soft Skills are Important to Employers
Top job searches near you
How to become a successful magistrate
Being a great magistrate requires advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, which you can gain through proper education, training and experience. Follow these steps to become a successful magistrate:
1. Earn your bachelor’s degree
Many law schools require students to complete their bachelor’s degrees in any field. Some schools prefer students to get an undergraduate degree in a field of study that’s related to pre law, such as economics, political science, business, history or philosophy. Consider taking courses that focus on law enforcement or criminal justice as well to better understand the legal system and ready yourself for law school.
2. Study for the LSAT
During your undergraduate program, you should study for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT.) This is an exam that tests students on areas like reading and comprehension, analysis of critical data and logical decision making. An impressive score that can get you into law school ranges from 150 to 170, depending on the institution. You can retake the test up to three times every two years.
Related: How to Answer Analytical Questions and the LSAT
3. Enroll in law school
Once you receive an impressive LSAT score, you can enroll in the law school of your choice. When you enroll, you must select the field of law you’d like to pursue, which can include environmental law, public rights law, international law and business law. You must also complete courses on basic legal subjects, such as legal ethics or criminal law.
Related: 7 Steps to Law School: Pre-Law Requirements
4. Participate in a clinical education program
Some educational institutions offer law students the opportunity to work directly under experienced lawyers during larger court cases that require additional assistance. Many law students offer their services for free during these programs while receiving valuable experience in a courtroom setting. Clinical education programs can also make it easier for you to understand which specialty in the legal field you’d like to pursue.
5. Gain professional experience as a lawyer
Some states don’t require magistrates to become lawyers, but if you’d like to practice as a federal magistrate judge, you must first become a lawyer. Earn your Juris Doctor degree and receive a license from the state to legally practice as a lawyer. Licensing requirements include passing your state’s bar exam and a background check. Conduct research to see if your state has additional licensing requirements.
Once you’re a licensed lawyer, you can work closely with established lawyers in an entry-level role as an associate at a law firm. You must work for several years as a lawyer to become a highly recognized and esteemed lawyer in your field.
Related: [60 Alternative Jobs for Lawyers](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/alternative-jobs-for-lawyers)
6. Network in your industry
Federal district judges typically appoint or elect magistrate judges to their roles after noticing how well they perform as lawyers. You must gain political support to become more recognized by local and state officials and legal professionals. Get positive attention through public events like community fundraisers, political parties or volunteer opportunities. Network at these events by introducing yourself to public officials and expressing your interest in becoming a magistrate judge.
5. Continue your education
When you earn a role as a magistrate judge, you may need to complete additional educational courses every two or three years to hold your position and to stay updated on legal changes. You must also keep your law license by following the renewal requirements put forth by your state. Some of these requirements involve paying fees, taking continuing education courses and submitting paperwork. Research your state’s guidelines to learn more about its specific requirements.
