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Judge Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Adelanto, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Sacramento, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Van Nuys, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Concord, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Santa Ana, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Imperial, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information ...

Placer County California

Vote Center Judge

Auburn, CA · On-site

$24.20/hr

Vote Center Judges are responsible for a wide variety of tasks including, but not limited to, assisting with directing Vote Center staff which may include assigning, scheduling, training, and ...

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All JobsJudge JobsJudge Jobs in California

Judge information

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How much do judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for judge in California is $30.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $33.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a judge?

Judges are legal professionals who preside over court proceedings, interpret and apply the law, and ensure that trials and hearings are conducted fairly. Their responsibilities include making rulings on legal matters, instructing juries, and sometimes determining the outcome of cases. Judges may work in various courts, such as criminal, civil, family, or appellate courts, depending on their area of expertise and jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining justice within the legal system.

What does a judge do?

As a judge, you can work in the state, local, or federal courts. In the courtroom, your responsibilities include overseeing the proceedings, managing the legal process, enforcing the rules of the court, ensuring that evidence is relevant to the proceedings, determining if lawyers’ requests during trials or hearings are viable, and helping to prevent jury tampering during a case. Outside the courtroom, your duties often involve performing research to help you make sound decisions in court. You evaluate and read the evidence, records, testimony, and motions that are relevant to the cases that you are presiding over.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a judge, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Judge, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, extensive legal experience, and a deep understanding of the law and judicial procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Outstanding critical thinking, impartiality, and strong communication skills set exceptional judges apart. These competencies ensure fair, efficient, and well-reasoned judicial decisions that uphold the integrity of the legal system.

What are some common challenges judges face in managing their courtroom and caseload?

Judges often face the challenge of balancing a high volume of cases while ensuring each receives thorough and fair consideration. Managing courtroom proceedings efficiently requires strong organizational skills, decisiveness, and the ability to handle unexpected developments, such as last-minute evidence or uncooperative parties. Additionally, judges must maintain impartiality and control over the courtroom atmosphere, even in emotionally charged or complex cases. Effective communication with attorneys, clerks, and other court staff is also essential to keep proceedings on track.

What is the difference between Judge vs Magistrate?

AspectJudgeMagistrate
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, judicial appointmentLegal degree, bar admission, often appointed or elected
Work EnvironmentCourts of general jurisdiction, handling serious civil/criminal casesLower courts, handling minor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanors
Industry UsageUsed across federal, state, and local courtsPrimarily in local and lower courts
Common Search/ComparisonJudgeMagistrate

Judges and magistrates both preside over court proceedings, but judges typically handle more complex and serious cases in higher courts, requiring extensive experience and credentials. Magistrates usually work in lower courts, managing preliminary matters and minor offenses. While both roles require legal qualifications, judges often have broader authority and responsibilities within the judicial system.

Can I be a judge without a degree?

Becoming a judge typically requires a law degree and extensive legal experience, as judges are usually licensed attorneys. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most courts mandate a law degree and passing the bar exam before appointment or election to the bench.

Is it hard to get a job as a judge?

Securing a job as a judge is highly competitive and requires extensive legal experience, typically including many years as a practicing attorney or legal professional. Candidates often need to be appointed or elected, and must demonstrate strong legal knowledge, integrity, and often political support or community recognition.

What are related careers to a judge?

Related careers to a judge include magistrates, magistrate judges, legal analysts, and court administrators. These roles often require a background in law, strong decision-making skills, and knowledge of legal procedures. Many of these positions involve working within the judicial or legal system and may require relevant certifications or experience.

Which degree is best for a judge?

A judge typically needs a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After earning the degree, candidates must pass the state bar exam and gain legal experience before being appointed or elected to a judgeship. Strong knowledge of law, analytical skills, and courtroom experience are essential for the role.
More about Judge jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Judge jobs in California?

The most popular types of Judge jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Judge jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Judge jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Judge jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Judge jobs?

Cities in California with the most Judge job openings:

Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Judge job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,952 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Immigration Judge

Department of Justice

On-site

$159K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

This position is in the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Office of the Chief Immigration Judge. EOIR seeks highly qualified individuals to join our team of expert professionals who serve as immigration adjudicators. Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff.
Full-time, Part-Time and Intermittent work schedules are available. See "Additional Information" for details.Qualifications:In order to qualify for the Immigration Judge position, applicants must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:
  • Education: Applicants must possess a LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)
AND
  • Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first license and the State from which it was issued.)
AND
  • Experience: Applicants must possess qualifying post-licensure litigation or adjudication experience. Qualifying trial experience includes experience litigating cases in which a complaint was filed with a court or administrative agency, or a charging document (e.g., indictment, notice of violation, or information) was issued by a court, administrative entity, grand jury, or appropriate military authority. Qualifying experience conducting administrative hearings or adjudicating administrative cases includes relevant experience handling cases in which a formal procedure was initiated by a governmental administrative body.
NOTE: Qualifying experience is calculated only after bar admission.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your assessment questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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