An appellate judge reviews judgements made by another court.
There are many types of judges in the United States court systems. What they all have in common is that they're in powerful positions that carry prestige. One type of judge is the appellate judge. He serves in a specific capacity: he has the power to review the judgment of another tribunal. He sits in the appellate court and basically hears appeals. For example, if you are convicted of a crime, you have a right to appeal the ruling in appellate court. The appellate judge will then go over all of the details of your case to determine whether or not the original ruling made by the trial or administrative law judge should be honored.
Instructions
1. Obtain an undergraduate degree. Since you will likely need to have a law degree, major in something that will help you in law school, such as criminal justice or English.
2. Attend an accredited law school program and receive your Juris Doctor. To become an appellate judge, you will need real world experience working as a lawyer. Keep in mind that the connections you make, even during your education, can help you down the road.
3. Gain experience working with clients who appeal their cases. Appellate judges rarely deal directly with lawyers, but your clients will still need advice during the appeal process. Over time, you will gain experience going over evidence and determining how strong an appeal case your client has; this will develop the skills that you will need as an appellate judge.
4. Decide if you want to become an appellate judge for the federal appellate court or a state appellate court. State appellate courts may have more openings but federal appellate judges have more power. Keeping your career goals in mind will help keep you on track.
5. Get involved with political organizations or take state cases as a prosecutor, so that you will make a name for yourself. Determine the identity of the person or group that appoints the appellate judge in the position you are seeking, and inform that person or group of your career goals. Get acquainted with the powers that be ahead of time, so that they can get to know you as a lawyer and a person and not just a job seeker. Some states, such as California, have a permanent application process for those who are qualified and interested in the position.
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