Also called: U.S. District Judge, Article III Judge
A lifetime-appointed judge who hears federal cases, from terrorism trials to big corporate lawsuits.
Federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve for life. They manage a team of law clerks, hold trials, and write opinions that can set nationwide precedent. There are only about 670 district judgeships in the whole country.
Fixed federal salary (~$243k in 2024); appeals judges ~$258k, Supreme Court justices ~$299k.
Professional degree (MD, JD, DVM…), about 20 years after high school. JD, distinguished career as a lawyer or state judge, presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
Ways in: 4-year college, Professional school. Training cost: Over $150k.
Majors to look at: Political Science, History, Philosophy, Economics.
Growing slowly. Number of seats is set by Congress and rarely changes.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps clerks research and draft; lifetime-appointed judges deciding cases is a fixed, human role with very few seats.
Classes: AP U.S. Government, AP U.S. History, AP English Language, Speech and debate.
Official data: O*NET occupation 23-1023.
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