Forbes magazine estimates that about half of Fortune 500 CEO compensation for 2003 was in cash pay and bonuses, and the other half in vested restricted stock, and gains from exercised stock options. In the previous year (2002), it found salary and bonuses averaged $2 million.
A bachelor's degree plus sufficient relevant work experience are the only official requirements to become a judge in some jurisdictions. However, the overwhelming majority of judges have law degrees from three-year institutions as well. For federal and state positions, such degrees are usually mandatory.
Step 2: Earn a Law Degree. Most judges begin their careers as lawyers, and prior legal practice is a prerequisite for many state and federal judgeships. Lawyers must hold Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees, which require completing three years of legal education at a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).