House of Lords judge Steyn quits and returns to bar

House of Lords judge Lord Steyn is retiring from his post to return to practice at Essex Court Chambers as an arbitrator.

Steyn left the Lords on Friday (30 September) and returns immediately to Essex Court where he will work as an international arbitrator.

Prior to being appointed to the Bench in 1985, Steyn had a thriving commercial practice. During his time as a judge he ruled on many precedent-setting cases, including sitting on the Lords panels that have decided recent issues such as In Re Spectrum Plus, the crucial insolvency case heard this summer.

Essex Court’s senior clerk David Grief said: "After 20 years away from chambers, we’re delighted to have him back as an arbitrator."