Recently retired Supreme Court president Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers is returning to his former set Brick Court Chambers as an arbitrator.

His appointment is effective from today (22 November). He will sit with around 20 international arbitrators at the set, the majority of who are silks.

The move comes after Phillips retired from the Supreme Court at the end of September this year, having headed the new court since its split from the House of Lords in 2009.

He will continue in his roles as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong and president of the Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Centre alongside his membership at Brick Court.

Phillips' appointment marks a return to the top set after he first joined the chambers in 1974.

Brick Court head Jonathan Hirst QC said: "His contribution to the development of the laws of England and Wales has been immense. He rejoins chambers to augment a very successful group of international arbitrators whose reputation is truly global."

Following his departure from Brick Court, and prior to taking up his role at the Supreme Court, Phillips was the Master of the Rolls, Lord Chief Justice and senior Lord of Appeal. He also headed the controversial inquiry into the outbreak of BSE which was published in 2000.

He was succeeded as Supreme Court president this year by former Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger.

The news comes after former Supreme Court judge and Herbert Smith partner Lord Collins of Mapesbury joined Essex Court Chambers in May after retiring from the UK's top court last year

A number of judicial appointment changes have been made in recent months, with Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge announcing yesterday (21 November) he will retire next September, with his replacement set to be named in early 2013.

For more, see Potential successors emerge as Lord Chief Justice confirms retirement.