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For many lawyers, becoming a judge is the brass ring of the legal profession, the ultimate achievement.

But how do you get to be a judge? And do the actual job?

The National Judicial College—where those who have already attained judgeships have long gone for training—is launching something new: "A practical course for attorneys who aspire to become judges."

The first "Judicial Academy" kicks off next month in Reno, Nev. with a group of 41 would-be judges.

"Participants will learn about a judge's many responsibilities as well as strategies for attaining a judgeship, be it through appointment or election. Instructors will include veteran judges, professionals in charge of judicial selection, and experts on judicial election campaigns," the Judicial College says. 

While anyone who has had a clerkship or litigated a case probably has some inkling of what being a judge entails, the college aims to provide more formal up-front training.

As retired Judge T. W. "Chip" Small wrote in his 2018 book You Are Not a Lawyer Anymore: A Primer for Those Who Want to Be a Good Judge, "Doctors go to medical school, lawyers go to law school, law enforcement officers go to the police academy. Judges … nothing."

The college also reported that in a 2018 poll of its alumni, 68% said they began their careers with no formal judicial education. One judge recalled, "I didn't [have any preparation] other than, 'Here's your robe, here's your courtroom, now go preside over your first felony jury trial on your second day.'"

The program also aims to increase diversity on the bench, and states that "applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply." Tuition is $1,349, plus a $349 conference fee. The 2019 class is already full. 

"One of our objectives in creating this program," said Judicial College President Benes Z. Aldana, "is to spark a national conversation on how we prepare people—or rather how we don't prepare them—to take on the difficult and extremely important role of judge."