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Federal Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Farmington (MN)

Election Judge

Farmington, MN · On-site

$13.50 - $15/hr

... federal, state, and local election laws and policies Keep election equipment and supplies secure and operate said equipment as instructed Report to the Head Judge any malfunction or possible ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Concord, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Denver, CO

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Elizabeth, NJ

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Napanoch, NY

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Chicago, IL

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Hyattsville, MD

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

New York, NY

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Buffalo, NY

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Cleveland, OH

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

Elk River

Election Judge

Elk River, MN · On-site

$18/hr

Election Judges are essential to our democracy! Election judges staff polling places, administer ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Richmond, VA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support ... Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In ...

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Federal Judge information

See salary details

$20.5K

$81.1K

$180K

How much do federal judge jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal judge in the United States is $81,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal judge?

Federal judges are officials appointed to serve in the United States federal court system. They preside over cases involving federal laws, the U.S. Constitution, and disputes between states or citizens from different states. Federal judges can serve on district courts, courts of appeals, or the Supreme Court, and they are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Most federal judges have lifetime appointments, allowing them to make decisions independent of political pressure. Their responsibilities include interpreting laws, ruling on legal motions, and issuing sentences in criminal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal judge?

To thrive as a Federal Judge, you need extensive legal expertise, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, substantial experience practicing law, and often prior judicial experience. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and continuing legal education are typical technical requirements. Exceptional analytical thinking, impartiality, strong ethical judgment, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure fair application of the law, uphold judicial integrity, and maintain public trust in the federal judiciary.

What are some common challenges faced by new federal judges during their first year on the bench?

New federal judges often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy and diverse caseload, mastering complex procedural rules, and maintaining judicial impartiality under public scrutiny. Adapting to the administrative responsibilities of running a courtroom and working with experienced clerks and staff can also be demanding. Many new judges benefit from mentorship programs and judicial training sessions to navigate these challenges and build confidence in their decision-making.

What is the difference between Federal Judge vs Magistrate Judge?

AspectFederal JudgeMagistrate Judge
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor, Bar Admission, often years of legal experienceJuris Doctor, Bar Admission, typically less experience required
Work EnvironmentHears federal cases, presides over trials, makes rulings in district courtsAssists federal judges, handles pretrial matters, issues recommendations
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. District Courts, federal judiciaryU.S. District Courts, federal judiciary
Common Search & ComparisonFederal JudgeMagistrate Judge

Federal Judges and Magistrate Judges both serve in the federal judiciary but differ mainly in experience, responsibilities, and authority. Federal Judges handle full trials and make final rulings, while Magistrate Judges assist with pretrial activities and issue recommendations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the federal court system.

What cities are hiring for Federal Judge jobs?

Cities with the most Federal Judge job openings:

What states have the most Federal Judge jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Judge jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Judge jobs?

For Federal Judge jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Federal Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Judge job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,089 per year, or $39 per hour.

Judicial Assistant - Chambers Paralegal or Secretary

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

US Judicial Branch
See more jobs at US Judicial Branchexternal

$36K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Western Division, is accepting applications for a judicial assistant (chambers paralegal or secretary to a federal judge). The holder of the position will perform administrative and legal duties (using legal terminology, procedures, and documents) and assist the judge in the daily activities of the office (performing administrative management, legal, and other related duties).Qualifications:Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Included below is a list of competencies related to the position:
  • knowledge of federal and local court administrative rules and protocols;
  • knowledge of legal terminology;
  • knowledge of security and safety issues affecting chambers;
  • knowledge of automated case management systems;
  • skill in interpreting court orders;
  • skill in managing, scheduling, and interpreting court calendars;
  • skill in planning and scheduling events;
  • skill in organizing work products;
  • skill in case management;
  • ability to accurately carry out complex instructions;
  • skill in coordinating the assignments of others;
  • ability to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines;
  • ability to work independently and set priorities under limited guidance and direction;
  • ability to prepare correspondence and documents under limited or general direction;
  • knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available at https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/guide-vol02a-ch03-2.pdf) requirements;
  • knowledge of financial disclosure rules;
  • knowledge of rules of disqualification;
  • ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment;
  • skill in the use of automated equipment and software including spreadsheet and database applications, as well as automated case management systems, legal research tools, and various other applications that support the court;
  • knowledge of laws, rules, and procedures applicable to the court;
  • knowledge of how to conduct legal research and analysis;
  • ability to conduct research utilizing all available resources (legal and non-legal) and to analyze complex concepts and complicated facts;
  • knowledge of subject matter content as needed (such as bankruptcy expertise);
  • skill in writing and editing legal documents with considerable accuracy, speed, and attention to detail;
  • skill in grammar, style, and use of the English language, including the use of proper legal citations;
  • ability to interact effectively and to maintain cooperative relationships with judges, chambers staff, and other court personnel, in order to support the work of a judge;
  • ability to communicate effectively with attorneys and parties, as needed in order to provide or obtain information;
  • ability to convene meetings or make oral presentations to groups of judges, attorneys, or parties as needed; and
  • ability to synthesize the results of research, and to summarize and communicate those results (orally and in writing) in a clear and concise manner.

Chambers Paralegal:
For JSP-7/1 ($50,969) (the minimum position grade level), the requirements are (1) completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or (2) a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program.
For JSP-8/1 ($56,445), in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP-7, the incumbent must have six months of progressively responsible experience that is in or closely related to the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
For JSP-9/1 ($62,344), in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP-7, the incumbent must have one year of progressively responsible experience that is in or closely related to the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
For JSP-10/1 ($68,655), in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP-7, the incumbent must have two years of progressively responsible experience that is in or closely related to the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
or JSP-11/1 ($75,431), in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP-7, the incumbent must have (1) three years of progressively responsible experience that is in or closely related to the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position or (2) a juris doctor (JD) from a law school of recognized standing.
Secretary to a Federal Judge:
For appointment as a secretary to a federal judge, the minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or an equivalent and the following experience:JSP Grade/StepYears of General ExperienceYears of Specialized ExperienceTotal Years of
Experience4/1 ($36,776)1015/1 ($41,146)2026/1 ($45,866)2137/1 ($50,969)2248/1 ($56,445)2359/1 ($62,344)24610/1 ($68,655)25711/1 ($75,431)268General experience is defined as progressively responsible general clerical or administrative experience that provided a good knowledge of office clerical practices such as filing, telephone usage, and typing.
Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience that involved responsibility as the principal office assistant to a supervisor who was dealing with law-related matters (such as what might be found in a law, insurance, or real estate office).
Education in a college, university, or secretarial school of recognized standing may be substituted for a maximum of one year of general experience based on 30 semester (45 quarter) hours equaling nine months of experience.
A bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing may be substituted for two years of general experience. Preferably, such degree should have included courses in law, government, public or business administration, or related fields.
Education in a legal or paralegal curriculum may be substituted for a maximum of two years of specialized experience based on one full academic year (30 semester, or 45 quarter, hours) equaling one year of experience. Less than one full year of study will be credited on a pro-rata basis.Education:High school graduation equivalency may be met by either a Graduate Education Development (GED), or other recognized equivalency certificate, or a like number of years of clerical experience (for example, one year of clerical experience equals one year of high school).Employment Type: OTHER

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