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Following Lord Phillips’ imminent retirement as President of the Supreme Court on 30 September 2012, it is anticipated that he will undertake two new international judicial roles.

The first of has been confirmed as President of the Qatar International Courtand Dispute Resolution Centre.  The Qatar International Court was established in 2009 by His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani as a specialist court with international expertise in dispute resolution.

Lord Phillips will commence this role in September 2012, succeeding the Rt Hon Lord Woolf of Barnes.  This is not the first time Lord Phillips has succeeded Lord Woolf; Lord Phillips was preceded by Lord Woolf both as Master of the Rolls and as Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

The second role it is anticipated Lord Phillips will assume is that of non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong.  Lord Phillips has already been recommended for this role by Hong Kong’s Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission and his appointment is expected to be referred toHong Kong’s Legislative Council for endorsement.

There are currently 6 non-permanent Hong Kongjudges and 13 non-permanent common law judges.  Court of Final Appeal cases are heard by 5 judges, the Chief Justice, three permanent judges and one non-permanent judge from eitherHong Kongor another common law jurisdiction.