It is rare for the Spanish judicial system to encounter cases where a new judge assumes office at an age significantly above the national average. This event drew attention not only within the professional community but also among the general public, as it raises questions about the accessibility of the profession, prevailing stereotypes, and real opportunities for older individuals.
This year, the public took note of the certificate awarding ceremony for new judges held in Barcelona. Among the 121 graduates, one individual stood out not just for his experience but also for his age. His presence sparked interest even among the highest-ranking guests: King Felipe VI himself inquired about the whereabouts of this unusual participant and exchanged a few jokes with him. The monarch’s question about what motivated him to take such a step was hardly accidental—after all, the average age of new judges is only 29, while the protagonist of the event will be turning 65 next week.
An exceptional path
His journey to the judicial robe was long and challenging. He spent over thirty years working as a lawyer, while the dream of changing careers grew within him for two decades. However, it was only after his professional and personal life allowed him to focus on his studies that he committed to preparing for the exams. Over seven years of preparation, he had to overcome fatigue and doubts—and get used to the idea of being surrounded by colleagues 30–35 years his junior.
Among the new judges, he turned out to be a true exception. He openly admits, “It was tough, I was an outlier.” Two months before starting his studies at the Judicial Training School, he had to mentally prepare himself to be surrounded by people from a completely different age group. Despite this, colleagues and even other graduates’ parents openly admired his determination and achievement.
Trials and transformations
He encountered both advantages and challenges at every stage. His experience as a lawyer helped him with theory and practice, but his habit of speaking slowly—a trait common among natives of the Canary Islands—sometimes got in the way during exams. Hailing from the humble Zarate neighborhood in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, he openly expresses pride in his roots and emphasizes that his story proves judges can come from outside the “elite.”
His personal life also went through changes: a divorce, an adult son now preparing for teacher qualification exams, and a constant longing for his native Canary Islands. Nevertheless, his new job awaits him in Amposta, where he will take the seat of judge. Although he did not get a post on his home islands, that does not diminish the significance of the achievement—after all, changing professions after so many years of law practice has been a real challenge for him.
Motivation and perspective on the profession
The decision to leave law practice was driven not only by fatigue, but also by the desire to work in a system where neutrality is valued. According to him, a lawyer has to defend the interests of one party, sometimes even against their own beliefs. A judge, on the contrary, must ensure balance and fairness, which became the main motivation for his career change.
Seven years of exam preparation were marked by constant fatigue and the need to juggle work and study. At one point, he managed to win a case, which allowed him to temporarily leave legal practice and fully focus on studying. However, when the funds ran out, he had to combine work and study once again, sacrificing personal time and habits.
Context and trends
Stories about people radically changing careers later in life are becoming increasingly prominent in Spain. In recent years, the country has seen high-profile cases of professionals from various fields—from medicine to education—taking on new challenges after the age of 50. Such changes are often driven by the desire to fulfill long-held dreams or find a new calling. In the judicial system, however, these cases are rare, making the current event particularly significant for discussions about equal opportunities and overcoming age barriers.
