Navigating mortgages as a barrister
Why specialist advice can unlock better outcomes Since 2012, Fitch & Fitch has advised barristers and legal professionals whose finances rarely fit tidy underwriting boxes. For many at the Bar, the challenge is not affordability. It is explaining an irregular and often complex income profile to a system designed for salaried employees. This article looks […]
Barrister Mortgages · Your Questions Answered
A conversation with David Wise, Founder of Fitch & Fitch Q: David, why do you work so closely with barristers on their mortgages? David Wise: We act for a wide range of professionals, but the Bar is a significant part of our client base. Barristers combine three things that make traditional lending tricky. They are […]
Offset mortgages for barristers: making your cash work harder
For many barristers, cash is not the problem. Timing is. Fees arrive in uneven tranches. VAT and tax liabilities build quietly in the background. Large balances sit in current or savings accounts for months at a time, waiting for the next payment on account. In that context, an offset mortgage can be a powerful tool. […]
Second homes near chambers: how barristers can structure the finance
For many barristers, time is the scarce resource. Long commutes, late finishes and early listings can erode family life and productivity. For that reason, a growing number of clients look to acquire a modest second home near chambers, alongside a main residence further out of town. Lenders will support this in the right circumstances. However, […]
The Financial Journey of a Barrister
Introduction · The financial journey of a barrister Beginning pupillage is the start of a demanding yet highly rewarding career. Moving into self-employment is a major transition after years of study and training. It brings new freedoms, but also new responsibilities and financial complexity. This guide is designed to help you navigate that journey. It […]
Barristers Returning from Maternity or Paternity Leave
Why a temporary dip in income does not have to limit your borrowing power For many barristers, maternity or paternity leave is one of the most important periods in their personal lives. It is also one of the few times when practice income may deliberately pause or reduce.On paper, this can look like a step […]
Starting Your Second Six
What it can mean for your first mortgage as a barrister There is a particular significance to reaching second six. After months of observing, drafting and absorbing how others work, you are finally on your feet, taking on your own cases and earning your own fees. It is the beginning of genuine professional independence. It […]
Mortgage Advice for Barristers with Judicial Income
Why irregular sittings do not have to limit your mortgage options For many barristers, appointment to a part time judicial role – whether as a Recorder, Deputy District Judge or Tribunal Judge – is both a professional honour and a meaningful additional source of income. These positions reflect seniority, legal judgement and public service, and […]
Changing Specialities at the Bar
Why a temporary dip in income does not have to reduce your mortgage options Many barristers reshape their careers over time. You might move from crime to commercial, broaden into international arbitration, or refocus on a practice area that is better aligned with your strengths and long term goals. These shifts are often deliberate and […]
Buying a Home as a Pupil Barrister
Why you may not need two years of accounts to get on the property ladder Each year, as pupillage approaches, aspiring barristers prepare for a major professional milestone. For many, that step into practice coincides with another important goal. buying a first home. At the same time, a familiar message is often repeated. that you […]