Council of Justice

What does a Justice of the Supreme Court do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Justice of the Supreme Court is a judge in the Supreme Court and belongs to the very top of the Swedish judiciary. The tasks revolve around reviewing precedent-setting cases and resolving legal issues of particular importance for legal application in Sweden. The role includes preparing and leading trials, writing judgments, and participating in collegial deliberations with other Justices. The work environment is characterized by high demands for integrity, precision, and analytical ability, and the work is mainly conducted in a formal and structured office environment with access to extensive legal resources.

Salary development over time

The salary for Justices has steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 60,900 SEK per month. In 2023, it rose to 61 500 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 1 percent. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary increased further to 64 300 SEK, an increase of over 4.5 percent. This trend reflects a strong demand for qualified legal professionals within the judiciary, while competition for the highest judicial positions is also increasing. Salary development is influenced by the high level of education and extensive experience required to reach these positions. Overall, statistics show that Justices continue to have a stable and positive salary growth, despite the limited number of positions and highly selective recruitment.

Justice of the Supreme Court salary – Complete overview

• Average salary: 64 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 62,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 78,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 387 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 66 200 SEK, women: 63 100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Not specified

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court is long and requires a solid legal education plus many years of experience within the judiciary. In addition to a law degree, experience as an assessor, district judge, or other judicial position is often required, along with documented expertise in various legal areas. The selection process is highly selective and imposes high demands on both formal merits and personal suitability.

• Law degree: 4.5 years at university
• Judicial internship: 2 years as a notary
• Judicial experience: Several years working as a district or court of appeal judge
• Further education and specialization: Often doctoral studies or equivalent merits
• Recruitment: Special selection by the government upon recommendation from the Judicial Appointments Board

Common benefits and compensations

Justices are employed under state employment conditions and are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training and professional development. The work rarely involves overtime but may require high effort during particularly complex cases. Salary exchange and other individual benefits may also be available depending on the workplace.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Justice is very fierce, as there are few vacancies and selection is among Sweden's most experienced legal professionals. Challenges in the role include not only reaching the position but also maintaining high professional standards and handling complex, principle-based cases. The work can be stressful and requires great mental resilience, especially since decisions often have far-reaching consequences for legal application in the country. Additionally, Justices are expected to continuously stay updated in all areas of law, which demands ongoing education and intellectual curiosity.

Tips for aspiring Justices

To succeed as a Justice, it is good to focus early on a solid legal education and gather broad experience across different parts of the judiciary. Precision and analytical ability are crucial qualities, as is the capacity to make independent decisions under pressure. Seeking mentorship from experienced judges and actively participating in legal networks can open doors to more meritorious positions. A high ethical standard and great integrity are necessary to gain trust and handle the complex issues that often arise. Developing good communication skills facilitates work in court and collaboration with colleagues. Finally, patience is important, as the path to becoming a Justice is long and requires perseverance and goal-oriented effort.

Key facts about Justices

• Educational level: Law degree (4.5 years) plus several years of judicial experience
• Work environment: Office-based, formal, and collegial setting
• Work form: State employment, permanent position
• Demand: Very limited number of positions, high competition
• Special skills: Case law, legal analysis, precedent formation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a judge at lower levels, a legal professional can seek more qualified judicial positions, such as Court of Appeal judge or district judge, before potentially being appointed as a Justice. The outlook for Justices is difficult to assess due to the very limited number of positions and infrequent recruitment. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for Justices because of the limited number of openings. However, there are approximately 758 available jobs within the judiciary, indicating some mobility in the job market. For those who reach the role of Justice, it is one of the most prestigious roles in Swedish law, often with opportunities for international assignments and participation in important legal reforms.

Frequently asked questions about Justices

• What does a Justice earn?
  - A Justice has an average salary of 64 300 SEK per month.
• How does one become a Justice?
  - A law degree, several years of judicial experience, and appointment by the government after recommendation from the Judicial Appointments Board are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 95% of what men do within the profession.
• How many Justices are there?
  - The number of Justices is very limited and determined by the Supreme Court's composition, usually around 16.
• What are the most common benefits for Justices?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, vacation, wellness allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
• What are the future prospects for Justices?
  - The profession has limited mobility and very few vacancies, but demand for qualified judges remains stable within the judiciary.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Justice?
  - The highest salary is 78,500 SEK and the lowest is 62,900 SEK per month.