34 Judge
What Does a Judge Do and How to Become One?
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a Judge with Amanda Maris
Guest: Judge Maris is a District Court Judge in Durham, North Carolina. She was first appointed to the bench by Gov. Roy Cooper in July 2017, retained by the voters in 2018, and was most recently re-elected in 2022.
Judge Maris is committed to working on issues that affect our youth & families and to realizing a court system that truly embraces the fair administration of justice for all.
Connect with Judge Maris:
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District Court Judge Amanda Maris shares insights into her role as a judge, the path to becoming one, and the emotional challenges faced in the courtroom. She discusses the responsibilities of a district court judge, the importance of genuine relationships in the legal field, and the impact of judicial work on personal well-being.
What Does a District Court Judge Do?
Serving as a District Court Judge means tackling a wide variety of “everyday” legal matters. One week, Amanda might preside over criminal cases such as DUIs or domestic violence. The next, she could be assigned to family court, where she oversees complex custody disputes, child support issues, and property distributions.
This rotating schedule not only keeps her professional life dynamic but also demands flexibility—she must continuously review statutes and case law to ensure she’s ready for anything. In Durham County, she and her fellow judges usually know their assignments months in advance, balancing specialized courts like juvenile delinquency or DSS (Department of Social Services) court with more general dockets like traffic violations or small civil claims.
Through this system, Amanda finds herself at the intersection of legal rules and human stories, acting as the final arbiter for people who rarely have another path to resolution.
Emphasizing Preparation and Empathy
In a typical week, Amanda spends long hours on the bench, often from early morning until late afternoon. Preparation is crucial: she reviews statutes, collects “cheat sheets,” and mentally prepares for the subject matter at hand—especially if it’s a day in family court or juvenile court where emotions can run high.
Yet legal knowledge alone isn’t enough to manage a courtroom effectively. She firmly believes empathy is essential for rendering fair decisions. This means listening intently, acknowledging the stress litigants are under, and remembering that each case represents real people with real problems—not just numbers on a docket sheet. By combining meticulous research with compassionate engagement, she works to ensure that even in a busy schedule, no one feels overlooked or dismissed.
Balancing Advocacy and Impartiality
Before stepping onto the bench, Amanda served as a public defender, advocating fiercely for clients in need. As a judge, she can no longer champion one side in the same way — but she leverages her background to remain attuned to deeper social issues that often bring people into the legal system in the first place. W
earing the black robe signifies neutrality, and Amanda takes that responsibility seriously. However, she continues to push for broader court reforms, believing that judges can play a crucial role in improving areas like bail practices, access to counsel, and more equitable outcomes overall.
In her view, balancing impartiality on a case-by-case basis while advocating at a policy level for a more just system remains one of the most rewarding—and challenging—aspects of her job.
Key Skills and Qualities for Aspiring Judges
1. Impartiality and Fairness
A judge must approach each case with an unbiased perspective, ensuring that all parties receive a fair trial. This requires setting aside personal opinions and focusing on the facts and legal principles involved. Impartiality is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the judicial system.
2. Strong Legal Knowledge and Analytical Skills
udges must possess a deep understanding of complex legal issues, as they are required to interpret statutes, precedents, and case law. Analytical skills are crucial in assessing arguments presented by attorneys and applying the law to make sound legal judgments.
3. Decision-Making and Critical Thinking
Making judicial decisions requires careful consideration of evidence, legal arguments, and precedents. Judges must weigh competing interests and ensure that their rulings are well-reasoned and legally justified. Critical thinking skills help judges assess each case objectively and anticipate potential implications of their rulings.
4. Communication and Listening Skills
Clear communication is essential for judges when addressing attorneys, litigants, and juries. Judges must articulate legal reasoning in their decisions and ensure that all parties understand courtroom procedures. Active listening is equally important, as judges must fully comprehend arguments and testimony before rendering a decision.
5. Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Judges must uphold the highest ethical standards to maintain public trust in the legal system. They are expected to demonstrate honesty, transparency, and fairness in all aspects of their work. Ethical dilemmas may arise, and judges must navigate these situations with integrity and adherence to legal principles.
The Challenges of Being a District Court Judge
The emotional toll of handling cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or child welfare can be significant. Amanda admits that certain stories haunt her long after she leaves the courthouse. While she strives to ensure each person feels heard and respected, she’s acutely aware that the court can’t single-handedly fix all social problems.
Many litigants grapple with poverty, trauma, and systemic inequality—factors that aren’t resolved by a judge’s ruling alone. Even with clear legal guidelines, there’s an ever-present tension between applying the law and confronting the reality that deeper societal changes are needed. Nonetheless, she remains hopeful that compassionate judging, combined with ongoing reforms and community partnerships, can spark meaningful progress.
Success Stories and Genuine Impact
Despite the weight of difficult cases, Amanda sees bright spots that fuel her drive to serve. She treasures moments when people return to share good news—like reuniting with family after overcoming substance abuse or stabilizing their finances following a civil judgment. Sometimes she hears from former defendants who express gratitude for the accountability measures or motivational talks she offered at a sentencing. These successes are particularly heartening given the high stakes and stressful environment of district court.
While Judge Maris emphasizes that real change ultimately depends on an individual’s own choices, she finds fulfillment in knowing her court rulings or words of encouragement can provide a needed catalyst for someone’s personal transformation.
Advice for Aspiring Judges
For high school and college students intrigued by a future on the bench, Amanda underscores the importance of building strong foundational skills: reading comprehension, effective writing, and public speaking.
Mock trial teams, debate clubs, and teen court programs offer valuable hands-on experience. Those aiming for trial work should become comfortable thinking on their feet, while anyone eyeing a judgeship in the long term should remember it starts with years of legal practice.
Relationships matter, too. Amanda credits genuine connections and shared values within the legal community for helping her earn an appointment when a district court vacancy arose.
Ultimately, she advises would-be judges to focus on meaningful, ethically driven work as lawyers first and trust that the right opportunity to ascend to the bench will come if they serve their community well.
Networking is a crucial aspect of advancing in the legal profession. Aspiring judges should actively participate in legal associations, attend bar events, and seek mentorship from experienced judges and attorneys. Building relationships with professionals in the field can provide guidance, support, and potential career opportunities.
Public service plays a significant role in establishing credibility as a potential judge. Volunteering for pro bono legal work demonstrates a commitment to justice and community service. Additionally, engaging in outreach programs and civic organizations can enhance a lawyer’s public reputation and create connections within the community.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a judge
A district court judge is often seen as the 'people's judge'.
Judges may rotate through various courtrooms and case types.
Building genuine relationships is crucial for a legal career.
The path to becoming a judge can vary by state.
Judges must leave personal biases behind in the courtroom.
Advocacy for justice can continue even as a judge.
The judicial process can be emotionally taxing.
Judges often deal with heavy subject matter in court.
A typical week for a judge involves significant courtroom time.
Judges strive to help people leave the courtroom better off.
Judges often carry the emotional weight of their cases.
The legal system needs reforms to address underlying social issues.
Helping individuals can be the most rewarding part of being a judge.
Public speaking and writing skills are crucial for aspiring lawyers.
Empathy and compassion are essential traits for judges.
Preparation and attention to detail are key skills for judges.
Future judges should consider volunteer programs like teen court.
Misconceptions about judges often stem from stereotypes about lawyers.
Experience in trial law is important before becoming a judge.
Exploring policy work can be a fulfilling career path for judges.
Interested in other legal careers? Check out these previous episodes:
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