Job Openings in the Judiciary of North Rhine-Westphalia's Civil Service Announced
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the justice system offers a variety of entry points and structured training programs for those interested in pursuing a career in the field. On Thursday, January 16th, BiZ Solingen will host an event showcasing trainings for the middle and upper levels of the justice system.
Middle and Upper Service Levels
The middle service level (mittlerer Justizdienst) often welcomes candidates through specialized vocational training or apprenticeships, combined with certain legal qualifications. Entry typically requires a completed secondary education and passing relevant selection procedures. This service includes court clerks and other administrative judicial roles.
The upper service level (gehobener Justizdienst) usually requires at least a first law degree or equivalent legal qualification. Candidates go through a state judicial training program ("Referendariat"), which is a prerequisite for the second state exam that qualifies candidates for roles such as judges, prosecutors, and senior legal officials.
Training Contents
The judicial traineeship includes practical rotations through various judicial offices — courts, public prosecutor’s offices, administrative authorities, and law firms. Trainees learn about case law, procedural law, and administrative tasks, developing skills in legal decision-making, drafting judgments, prosecuting crimes, and managing court administration.
Training is regulated by state laws and includes examination phases culminating in the second state examination (Assessorexamen), which is mandatory for advancement to upper judiciary positions.
Career Paths After Training
After successful completion of training and exams, careers generally include becoming a judge or public prosecutor at regional courts or higher judicial bodies in North Rhine-Westphalia. Other options include legal advisory roles within the justice ministry or government agencies, positions in legal administration or higher court services, and opportunities for progression to senior judicial management or administrative leadership within the justice system.
Application Requirements
To apply for training in the justice system in North Rhine-Westphalia, one must have at least a secondary school leaving certificate with completed training or intermediate school leaving certificate. For the workshop service, a master's degree is required, and for the nursing service, a state examination as a health and nursing professional is a prerequisite. Other requirements include responsibility, character strength, a stable personality, and calmness when dealing with difficult people.
For more detailed information about the event on January 16th or questions about the application process, please contact the BiZ staff at 0212 / 2355 - 290. For current openings and state-specific regulations, consulting the NRW Ministry of Justice website or official judicial career portals is recommended.
[1] For the dual study in the justice system, an Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or equivalent education is required. The training begins with a multi-week introduction, followed by theoretical training at the justice academy in Wuppertal and practical training in various justice institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia. The training to become a civil servant in the general full-time service, workshop service, or nursing service starts at age 20 and lasts for two years.
[2] For the event on January 16th, interested parties can attend at BiZ Solingen, Kamper Straße 35, 42699 Solingen on Thursday, January 16th at 4:00 PM. The event will cover trainings for professions in general full-time service, workshop service, nursing service, and diploma administrator.
[3] The team of the advisory service for recruiting new talent for the justice system can be reached at 0202 / 9457 - 2020 or by email at [email protected].
[4] Diplom-Verwaltungswirte are active in all areas of a justice institution. They ensure a smooth interaction between staff to maintain security and order in the justice institution. They take care of the organization of the entire administration and the business processes in the institution. They participate in decisions on measures that affect the prison system and prepare disciplinary decisions against inmates and ensure the proper handling of work and training operations. They shape the accommodation, supply, care, and work of inmates.
[5] Over 230 new recruits were hired in the middle and upper levels of the justice system last year, and the same number is expected this year.
- Candidates seeking career development in the justice system in North Rhine-Westphalia can pursue entry-level positions at the middle service level through specialized vocational training or apprenticeships, focusing on education-and-self-development, while the upper service level requires a first law degree or equivalent legal qualification, followed by a state judicial training program (Referendariat) for roles such as judges, prosecutors, and senior legal officials.
- To enhance job-search prospects and skills-training, candidates can participate in a variety of training programs in North Rhine-Westphalia, including trainings for the middle and upper levels of the justice system, such as the diploma administrator, general full-time service, workshop service, and nursing service, with opportunities for progression and advancement within the justice system.
