Judge (legal)

What does a judge in the legal field do? – Tasks and work environment

A judge in the legal field is responsible for leading court proceedings and making decisions in cases. The work involves independently interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and legal precedents to resolve disputes and criminal cases. The judge also plays an important role in ensuring legal certainty and maintaining objectivity throughout the legal process. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, significant responsibility, and demands for integrity, with much time spent in courtrooms, as well as on offices for preparation and follow-up.

Salary development over time

Judges in the legal field have experienced stable salary increases in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 60,900 SEK per month, which increased to 61 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 64 300 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 5.6% over the three-year period. The salary development is largely explained by increased demand for qualified legal expertise, high educational levels, and increased responsibilities within the role. The market for judges is relatively stable, but competition for the most experienced and specialized judges drives salaries higher. It is also common for salaries to vary depending on experience, sector, and educational background, with doctoral-educated judges generally having the highest salaries.

Judge (legal) salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 64 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 62,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 78,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 387 SEK
• Women: 63 100 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 66 200 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between metropolitan regions and other parts of the country, but generally differences within the profession are small.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a judge in the legal field is long and requires several years of university studies and practical experience. First, a law degree is needed, followed by most completing a clerkship and working as a fiscal or court clerk before qualifying for judge positions. Additional education, such as doctoral studies or specialization, can be advantageous for higher positions and salary levels.

• Law degree: 4.5 years at university
• Court clerkship: 2 years of practical court service
• Fiscal training: After clerkship, specialization in the judiciary
• Doctoral studies: Meritorious for higher positions
• Experience: Several years of work as a legal professional is often required
• Selection: Strong competition and high demands for judgment and legal certainty

Common benefits and compensation

Judges in the legal field are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pensions, generous vacation policies, and health insurance. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, and flexible working hours to some extent. It is also common to have special allowances for overtime work and on-call duties.

Competition and challenges

The competition for judge positions is high, as the number of available positions is limited relative to the number of qualified legal professionals. The process to become a judge is lengthy and requires perseverance, top grades, and good judgment. Challenges in the profession also include handling complex and sensitive cases, maintaining impartiality under pressure, and managing the high workload and responsibility. Many judges work with time-consuming and demanding cases that require precision and structure. High ethical standards and the ability to handle media and societal pressures are also required.

Tips for aspiring judges in the legal field

To succeed as a judge, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical thinking, as complex legal cases require careful assessment and the ability to see connections. Accuracy and integrity are crucial to uphold legal certainty and make objective decisions, so practicing structured handling of information during studies is advisable. Good communication skills facilitate work in court and in written judgments, so training in clear expression is valuable. Working methodically and having patience are important, as the path to a judge position is long and competitive. Gaining experience from various legal areas broadens competence and improves career prospects. Building contacts within the justice system can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Finally, the ability to handle stress and make decisions under pressure are qualities often associated with successful judges.

Key facts about Judge (legal)

• Educational level: Law degree (4.5 years) + clerkship (2 years)
• Work environment: Court and office, often fast-paced
• Average salary: 64 300 SEK/month
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salary
• Available jobs in the profession: 758

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a judge in the legal field, career opportunities include more specialized roles such as chief judge, appellate judge, or transition to international courts. For judges with doctoral education or special expertise, higher positions and advisory roles are possible. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's overall forecast, there is a steady need for judges, but since the number of positions is limited, competition remains high. The forecasts indicate that demand is constant, but no precise assessment can be made due to limited statistics. At the same time, job openings within the profession show some mobility and opportunities for new positions for qualified candidates.

Frequently asked questions about Judge (legal)

• What is the salary of a Judge (legal)?
  - The average salary is 64 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and education.
• What education is required to become a judge?
  - A law degree (4.5 years) and at least two years of clerkship, often supplemented with experience as a fiscal or other legal professional.
• Are there gender differences in salary for judges?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for judges?
  - The outlook is stable, but the number of positions is limited and competition is high.
• What personal qualities are important for success?
  - Analytical ability, integrity, accuracy, and stress resilience are key qualities.
• How high can a judge's salary become?
  - The highest salary for a judge is 78,500 SEK per month, especially for privately employed judges with doctoral education.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Regional differences exist, but generally salary variations within the profession are small.