For many barristers, being appointed as a part-time judge, whether as a Recorder, Deputy District Judge, or Tribunal Judge, represents both a professional honour and a valuable source of additional income. These roles reflect seniority, legal acumen, and a contribution to public service, and they often sit alongside a thriving chambers practice.
However, we frequently hear the same concern from clients: “Can I get a mortgage if my judicial income is part-time?”
The answer is yes. Judicial income, while paid via PAYE, may appear inconsistent month to month. However, with the right lender and adviser, it’s not a barrier to securing a mortgage, whether on the high street or with a specialist lender.
At Henry Dannell, we’ve worked with many barristers who balance private practice with part-time judicial responsibilities, and we understand this income model inside out.
Yes, many lenders will accept judicial income in mortgage affordability calculations, provided it’s correctly presented. This is especially true if you’re combining it with stable chambers income.
Many barristers ask:
These are valid questions. The key lies in how your income is structured, evidenced, and presented.
Part-time judicial income is employed PAYE income paid by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). While it’s classed as employed income, which lenders typically prefer, it’s not always straightforward in how it’s received.
Most part-time judicial contracts require you to sit a minimum of 30 days per year, though you may choose to sit more, depending on personal and professional commitments. These sittings can occur at any time throughout the year, condensed into a few months, spread evenly, or taken sporadically.
This flexible arrangement is one of the strengths of the judicial system, but it also means judicial income often appears irregular or inconsistent on paper, particularly when reviewed month by month.
Some lenders, particularly those unfamiliar with the judicial system, may incorrectly interpret this as a lack of stability. That’s where expert advice makes all the difference.
The key to success lies in understanding how the income works and how to present it. Judicial earnings may fluctuate month-to-month, but across a full tax year, they’re entirely legitimate, repeatable, and backed by a government employer.
Many high street lenders are open to including part-time judicial PAYE income within affordability calculations when:
When these criteria are met, lenders will typically average the judicial income over one or two years and combine it with your chambers’ earnings to assess total affordability. Some will even consider a forecast of sitting days if the pattern has been consistent and the judicial appointment is continuing.
Barristers with judicial income will often have a dual income structure, a self-employed income from chambers and PAYE income from HMCTS.
While some lenders struggle to assess this blended model, others are familiar with the legal profession and comfortable working with combined income sources. With a presented case and the right supporting documentation, both income streams can be leveraged effectively.
Our expertise in lending to legal professionals goes far beyond simply filling out forms. At Henry Dannell, we’ve developed an in-depth understanding of how part-time judicial appointments are structured, paid, and assessed. We know:
We work closely with underwriters to pre-empt questions, provide context, and build confidence in your profile. We also maintain strong relationships with both high street and specialist lenders who already understand and actively welcome clients with part-time judicial income.
Bringing It All Together: Clarity, Confidence, and a Successful Mortgage Outcome
Whether you’re sitting as a Recorder, Deputy District Judge, or in any part-time judicial role, your income is not a risk; it’s a strength. It reflects a high level of professional trust, commitment, and capability. When correctly documented and clearly explained, it can sit proudly alongside your chambers’ income to support a robust mortgage application.
At Henry Dannell, we don’t just understand the technicalities of your income; we understand the story it tells. And we know how to position that story to get the result you need.