U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Qualifications for Appointment as a U.S. Magistrate Judge

1. Be, and have been for at least five years, a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands of the United States, and have engaged in the active practice of law for at least five years.
   
   Note: Pursuant to Section 1.01(b) of the Regulations of the Judicial Conference of the United States, the Court may substitute certain other legal experience, such as experience as a judge, Magistrate Judge, attorney for federal or state agencies, or up to two years as a law clerk, for the required period of active practice of law.
2. Be competent to perform all duties of the office; possess good moral character, emotional stability, and maturity; be committed to equal justice under the law; be in good health; be patient and courteous; and be capable of deliberation and decisiveness.
3. Be less than seventy years of age.
4. Not be related to a judge of the district court.

Additional Information

The present annual salary of the position is $223,836. A U.S. Magistrate Judge who retires after reaching age 65 and serving at least 14 years, whether continuously or not, is entitled to an annuity during their lifetime, equal to the salary received at the time of leaving office.

For further information concerning the retirement of Magistrate Judges, see 28 U.S.C. § 377.