Musings on Careers in Law / Career Descriptions for Appellate Judges

Appellate judges hold some of the most coveted positions in the legal system, and many lawyers would happily abandon their legal practice (whether lucrative or not) in order to become one.  One of the advantages of being an appellate judge is the opportunity to review and "second-guess" the results of trials and motions that have already been decided.  Thus, an appellate judge does not listen to evidence or conduct trials.  Being an appellate judge is more academic and theoretical in that an appellate judge has more time to ponder complex and cutting edge legal issues, and to interpret the law.

In addition, most appellate judges (and federal district court judges) have legal clerks who are able to brief legal issues and/or write initial drafts of legal opinions or decisions.  One of the joys of serving as an appellate judge (and as a federal district court judge) is to be able to pick and choose from among the best and the brightest law students to serve as judicial clerks.  Such clerks usually serve for one year (sometimes two), prior to going on to large law firm practice, government service, academia, or other jobs.  Former clerks from U.S. appellate courts or the U.S. Supreme Court have sometimes been able to receive large signing bonuses from law firms.  Appellate judges are able to discuss legal opinions and outcomes with their clerks.  Although some judges have strictly a business relationship with their clerks, many judges socialize with their clerks and become close friends with them.  For example, some judges periodically invite both current and former law clerks over to their houses for dinner or regularly go out to lunch with them.  In summary, judges generally have professional satisfaction because they do not bill their time, they have interesting work, and they enjoy unparalleled prestige and respect.