In common law countries, a law graduate can’t choose to become a judge. It is only after many years of experience as a lawyer, professor or member of the government, that a judge can be appointedby the Lord Chancellor. To be appointed a senior court judge (Lord/Court of Appeal/High Court) it is necessary to gain the 10 years experience as a barrister. A solicitor may appointed a judge in an inferior courtafter 5 years experience.
Upon completion of his formal education (not necessarily a legal education), a person spends 15, 20, or 25 years in the private practice of law or in law teaching or governmental legal service and then, at about age 50, becomes a judge. No competitive examination is taken, as he is appointed or elected to office.
In England, the appointive system is the case for all levels of judges, including even local JPs (who are selected by an advisory committee answerable to the Lord Chancellor’s office and, after selection, undergo a period of basic training).
Compare this to civil law countries, where a law graduate can choose a career as a judge by passing an examination and entering the service as a low-level judge in his early 20s.
The common law judge is practically free from outside supervision, enjoys greater power and prestige.