In a typical work setting, judges and hearing officers:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of contact with lawyers, plaintiffs, and court workers. Judges who only review court briefs to make decisions have less contact with others.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis. They may occasionally speak in front of groups.
• Are often placed in conflict situations where people might be angry or unpleasant.
• Are responsible for the work done by clerks and assistants.
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• Occasionally work with individuals who get physically violent.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.

Physical Work Conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Usually wear a robe when they are in a courtroom. Some judges, such as adjudicators or hearing officers, rarely wear robes.

Work Performance

• Make decisions on a daily basis that greatly impact plaintiffs and defendants. Due to the nature of their job, they don't consult another before deciding a course of action.
• Must be very exact in performing the job. Errors could seriously affect the participants. For example, accepting a piece of evidence that was not valid could swing the decision of a jury.
• Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor first.
• May repeat the same mental tasks.
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• Must meet strict weekly and daily deadlines.

Hours/Travel

• Usually work at least 40 hours per week.
• Generally work a set schedule.