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Career Profile

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Circuit Court Judge, Circuit Judge, County Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, District Court Judge, Judge, Justice of the Peace, Magisterial District Judge, Magistrate, Superior Court Judge, Circuit Court Judge, Circuit Judge, County Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, District Court Judge, Judge, Justice of the Peace, Magisterial District Judge, Magistrate, Superior Court Judge

RI Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$81,690
Starting Salary (2025)
$239,760
Median Salary (2025)
2.5%
Projected Job Growth
120
RI Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Judgment and Decision Making
Complex Problem Solving
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Law and Government

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

English Language

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

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.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

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

Getting Information

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

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.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Doctoral degree 66%
  • Professional degree 23%
  • Post-doctoral training 10%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Other 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Judicial Law Clerks
Lawyers
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Paralegals and Legal Assistants

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.