Professional legal knowledge and skills
Judges must apply rules of law and made judgement on specific meanings of the law when evaluating and deciding the case.
Judges
Descriptions & Duties
- Judges administer law and justice in a court. They also conduct pre-trial review, resolve administrative disputes, facilitate negotiations between opposing parties, and issue legal decisions. They are also responsible for studying documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and arguments; instructing juries on applicable laws; hearing all the witnesses and the evidence presented by the barristers of the case and assessing the credibility and arguments of the parties; issuing ruling on the matter based on their interpretation of the law and their personal judgment.
Generic Competencies
Physical Abilities
Physical abilities
- Physical strength
- Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity
Importance:1 (Max:5)
Skill is rarely required
Technology Skills
Technology skills
- Computer literacy
- Application of technology
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Visualisation
- Logical thinking
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Comprehension And Expression
Comprehension and expression skills
- Reading comprehension
- Oral / written expression
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Social Skills
Social skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Organisation And Execution Skills
Organisation and execution skills
- Planning
- Organising
- Judgement
- Decision making
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Problem Solving Skills
Problem solving skills
- Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Management Skills
Management skills
- Leadership
- Management of finance / time / people / other resources
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Trade Specific Competencies
Professional knowledge in judicial system and procedure
Judges must have good knowledge in Hong Kong judicial system and court procedures at all levels.
Professional skills in reading, listening and writing
Judges must have good reading, listening and writing skills.
General Requirements
Academic qualification
- must have a bachelor's degree in law
Professional qualification
- must complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
Experience
- have substantial professional experience in the field
Other specific requirements
- must have been qualified as legal practitioners either in Hong Kong or in another common law jurisdiction. They are appointed by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission.
Career Path & Salary
Government Sector
Monthly Salary Judicial Pay Scale Point 1-6
Monthly Salary Judicial Pay Scale Point 7-10
Monthly Salary Judicial Pay Scale Point 10
Monthly Salary Judicial Pay Scale Point 11
Monthly Salary Judicial Pay Scale Point 12
*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html
Work Environment
- Judges do most of their work in offices and courtrooms. They may work additional hours to prepare for hearings.
Tools
- Digital video players
- Digital audio recorders
- Gavels or sounding blocks
- Microphones
- Special purpose telephones
- Teleconference equipment
- Videoconferencing equipment
