District Court Judge Candidate

Do you want to help strengthen the rule of law in Greenland? As a district court judge candidate, you will play a central role in the development of a lawyer-based judiciary – and become part of the third branch of government, where independence, integrity, and professionalism are the foundation.

Greenland is in the midst of an important development: We are moving towards a more lawyer-based judiciary, where the district judges play a crucial role. As a candidate for district judge, you will be part of that change – and help ensure a strong, independent, and professionally well-founded judicial power.

A role with responsibility and significance

The district judges handle almost all first-instance cases in Greenland – including criminal cases, estates, enforcement cases, and cases concerning parental responsibility. You will be responsible for court management and decisions, and be in close contact with citizens, authorities, and the rest of the judiciary. As a candidate for district judge, you will play a central role in conducting cases – from the simplest enforcement cases to complex criminal cases – under guidance and support.

About the course

The district judge training lasts 2 years and 3 months and combines theory and practice. You will be assigned to a district court and will have both a daily district judge supervisor and a legal mentor.

The education is structured around one case area at a time, and you gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop. You typically start with enforcement cases and during the course, you will also lead court hearings in, among other things, criminal cases and estate settlements. The goal is for you to be able to make decisions independently.

The course includes:

Four short theory modules at the Court in Greenland.

Four course programs in the judicial assistant education in Denmark.

Practical training in the district court, with gradually increasing complexity.

Business trips to other district courts and relevant legal institutions.

To interim tests along the way and final exams with cases, court sessions, and oral exams.

Upon passing the exam, you can apply for a permanent position as a district judge – a role that offers great professional independence and job security.

You can read more about the district judge education and find the announcement, study regulations, and structure at: www.domstol.dk/groenland/om-domstolene-i-groenland/uddannelse/kredsdommere

The district courts play a crucial role in the citizen-centered judiciary throughout Greenland. In the upcoming period, there is a particular need to strengthen the capacity of the district courts outside Nuuk, where the district judges have a central function in daily judicial proceedings and in contact with the citizens.

We are looking for you who:

Has a legal university degree (cand.jur. or bach.jur.). Law students may also be considered in special cases.

Speaks and understands Greenlandic and Danish. You must be able to lead court sessions in both languages.

Has in-depth knowledge of and interest in Greenlandic culture and societal conditions.

Has strong collaboration skills and can work independently and responsibly.

Is robust, curious, and motivated to learn.

Has an interest in justice and people's living conditions.

To be admitted, you must meet the eligibility requirements for voting in a municipal council. You must not have been convicted in a criminal case. The Judicial Council emphasizes both professional and personal qualifications – as well as your ability to be open, trustworthy, and independent in the role.

What we offer:

A unique and intensive learning process with close mentoring and professional development.

Educational stay in both Greenland and Denmark.

Fixed salary during the training according to the applicable collective agreement.

Paid relocation travel and moving.

Housing can be allocated.

Perspective: After completing your education, you can apply for a permanent position as a district judge – a role with high independence and great job security.

The recruitment process

Thomsen Consulting assists the Judiciary Council throughout the entire recruitment process.

The Judicial Council wishes that the district court candidates take office on July 1, 2026, or later.

The application deadline is May 12, 2026. You apply for the position by uploading your application, your CV, and any other relevant documents to Thomsen Consulting's job portal. To ensure your personal data is protected as best as possible, we do not accept applications via email.

General questions as well as questions regarding the recruitment process should be directed to Niels Thomsen at mobile +299 586636 / +45 5432 8408 or niels@thomsen.gl.

If you have any further questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact Kirsten Hee Larsen at phone +299 363800 or kihl@domstol.gl.

About the courts in Greenland

The courts in Greenland consist of the Greenland High Court, the Court in Greenland, and four district courts. The Greenland High Court handles appeals from the district courts and the Court in Greenland. The Court in Greenland deals with cases that are by law assigned to this court as the first instance, as well as cases referred from the district courts. The Court in Greenland provides training and guidance for the district judges and staff of the district courts.

The district courts handle citizen-related cases – that is, almost all criminal cases, estate settlement cases, enforcement cases, and cases concerning marriage and parental responsibility.

There are about 85 employees at the courts in Greenland.