Part-time working is open for some salaried roles up to and including High Court level. It is available subject to it having no material adverse impact on the business needs of the courts or tribunals or the services to users.

Anyone interested in the possibility of flexible or part-time working is encouraged to apply for posts that are advertised as being open to salaried part-time working (SPTW).

Any preference for part-time sitting will not be considered when determining an applicant’s ability or suitability for judicial office. Candidates are always assessed on merit.

The availability of SPTW is decided locally by the senior judicial and administrative officers and is subject to business need.

Working patterns and benefits

Sitting patterns can differ depending on the office, such as a set number of days a week or for set weeks or months.

Final working patterns will be discussed and agreed between the successful candidate, relevant senior judiciary and the business area at the time of offer of appointment.

A salaried part-time judicial office holder is subject to the same benefits (on a pro rata basis, where applicable) and the same terms and conditions as a full-time office holder.

You will be required to give up legal practice on appointment.

Ministry of Justice guide to judicial salaried part-time working

Fee-paid roles

Fee-paid positions, including tribunal appointments, Recorders, and deputy district judges, are part-time roles.

They are often, though not always, similar to the equivalent salaried appointment but may deal with less complex or less serious cases.

Fee-paid working patterns and benefits

Office holders will sit for a number of days a year, which varies depending on the type of appointment. Fees are paid according to the number of sittings or days worked.

However, the role is subject to many of the same terms and conditions as a salaried judicial office holder.

Fee-paid judicial office holders can continue their legal practice.