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Attorney general vs judge

The differences between attorneys general and judges can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an attorney general, becoming a judge takes usually requires 8-10 years. Additionally, a judge has an average salary of $123,457, which is higher than the $101,302 average annual salary of an attorney general.

The top three skills for an attorney general include legal advice, litigation and appeals. The most important skills for a judge are legal issues, civil law, and international law.

Attorney general vs judge overview

Attorney GeneralJudge
Yearly salary$101,302$123,457
Hourly rate$48.70$59.35
Growth rate10%-1%
Number of jobs47,8131,026
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4646
Years of experience410

What does an attorney general do?

Attorney generals are one of the most important legal advisers for their government, state, or country. They provide legal advice and may be called on to advise ordinary citizens who may or may not be within the country's jurisdiction. Their power varies depending on the laws of the state or country. Most of them have special executive power related to the enforcement of laws. Attorney Generals also provide legal services to state departments and agencies.

What does a judge do?

Judges are officials who conduct court proceedings. They sign arrest and search warrants, restraining orders, subpoenas, etc. When working on a case, the judges decide if the accused should be set free or sent to jail based on the presented evidence. They should be unbiased when listening to witnesses and examining evidence. They must show compassion and understanding to both sides and keep in mind that justice means more than just knowing the law. Additionally, their goal should only be finding the truth.

Attorney general vs judge salary

Attorneys general and judges have different pay scales, as shown below.

Attorney GeneralJudge
Average salary$101,302$123,457
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $157,000Between $68,000 And $222,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAJacksonville, FL
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew Mexico
Best paying companyLewis Brisbois Bisgaard & SmithUnited States Courts
Best paying industryGovernmentMedia

Differences between attorney general and judge education

There are a few differences between an attorney general and a judge in terms of educational background:

Attorney GeneralJudge
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorLawLaw
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Attorney general vs judge demographics

Here are the differences between attorneys general' and judges' demographics:

Attorney GeneralJudge
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 51.6% Female, 48.4%Male, 50.3% Female, 49.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 6.5% White, 75.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between attorney general and judge duties and responsibilities

Attorney general example responsibilities.

  • Perform extensive trial litigation, facilitate contract administrations, negotiations, and arrange mediation and counseling.
  • Draft subpoenas and participate in investigations.
  • Prepare subpoenas and arrange for process-servers and couriers.
  • Prepare and participate as first chair at various administrative and arbitration hearings.
  • Assist in preparing and responding to civil miscellaneous appeals, criminal miscellaneous appeals.
  • Investigate and assist in the preparation of litigation cases concerning fraud by officers of charitable organizations.
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Judge example responsibilities.

  • Prepare jury charges, manage trial docket and handle appeals of SSI disability cases.
  • Manage, and update all scheduling of events, meetings, and appointments for mediation and arbitration for family law cases.
  • Docket civil orders on CM/ECF.
  • Observe civil and criminal trial and appeals proceedings.
  • Perform extensive research and prepare legal memoranda on domestic relations and probate issues.
  • Prepare orders and decisions from drafts provide by the assigned AJ.
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Attorney general vs judge skills

Common attorney general skills
  • Legal Advice, 24%
  • Litigation, 24%
  • Appeals, 13%
  • Legal Research, 6%
  • Legal Issues, 4%
  • Mediation, 3%
Common judge skills
  • Legal Issues, 18%
  • Civil Law, 15%
  • International Law, 14%
  • Legal Services, 12%
  • Defense Counsel, 12%
  • Trial Counsel, 5%