Judges Seem to Be Among the Happiest in the Legal Profession

I have consistently noticed a difference in the level of general job satisfaction among those in the legal field engaged in different types of jobs.  At or near the top of heap seem to be the judges.  Admittedly, many judges are overworked, and all judges are isolated to an extent from the rest of society.  Further, the caseload for federal and state judges has steadily increased, making judgeships more stressful and demanding than they were in the past. [See Anthony Kronman, The Lost Lawyer: Failing Ideals of the Legal Profession at 320-21 (1993).]  Regardless of such challenges, judges (both on the trial and appellate levels) enjoy a level of power, responsibility, respect and prestige that is practically unmatched.  Perhaps more significantly, judges also do not have to bill hours or worry about billable hours.