Jennifer Moate: Judge of the Property Chamber

---

“I find the job challenging and rewarding and I particularly enjoy working together with professional members because we can discuss and bounce ideas off each other. There is never a dull moment!”

---

Background

I originate from Hertfordshire and attended state schools there. I was fortunate enough to have some truly inspiring teachers and went on to read English at Wadham College, Oxford. After university I worked in Paris for several years, first teaching English, then working as an editor for UNESCO. I enjoyed speaking French and I loved my life in Paris but I became increasingly driven to challenge inequality in society so I decided to return to the UK to study law and become a barrister.

During my training I worked as a paralegal, first in a property-based firm and then as a housing caseworker for Citizens Advice followed by a firm specialising in legal aid housing and homelessness. That was when I met my husband and we started a family, which meant that, rather by coincidence than by design, we had three children under two when I commenced pupillage in 2008!

I survived the experience and have been practising as a property and housing barrister ever since. I appear in County Courts across the London and the Southeast, in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal. I am also a regular speaker at seminars and conferences where I present current legal issues such as the Renters’ Rights Bill, Building Safety and Disrepair. Within chambers, I am Secretary, Leader of the Private Client Group and Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which I set up last year.

The application

I have always been interested in resolving disputes, so becoming a mediator and judge seemed a natural next step for me. Encouraged by a colleague, I applied to become a part-time judge of the First-tier Tribunal, Property Chamber, because this fitted with my skill set. The application process was long and somewhat taxing. Having been self-employed for most of my life, it was nerve-wracking to be interviewed, undertake timed tests and be assessed in a role-play courtroom situation. I found it helpful to practice interview questions focusing on the key competencies so that I had plenty of examples ready on the day. Fortunately, my preparation paid off and I was appointed in 2024.

The role

The London First-tier Tribunal is a wonderful place to work, with supportive staff, colleagues and a wide range of interesting legal problems. I work a minimum of 30 days a year, which fits well with my continuing private practice as a barrister and with my family life.

Other judges

Find out more about the wide range of people working in legal roles.

View case studies