Ipoh-born Eason Rajah becomes judge in UK High Court

Ipoh-born Eason Rajah has been appointed as a High Court judge in England, filling a vacancy in the High Court following elevations to the Court of Appeal and confirmed retirements.

This appointment will take effect from 18 April 2023. Rajah, known as The Honourable Mr Justice Rajah, was approved as a High Court Judge and will be assigned to the Chancery Division by the Lord Chief Justice.

Rajah’s journey to becoming a High Court judge was challenging. At eleven, he left Malaysia to attend Epsom College, a boarding school in England. Despite excelling in the sciences, Rajah chose to study law at the University of Nottingham and later completed his bar course and pupillage in the UK before returning to Malaysia, where he qualified as an advocate and solicitor. He ultimately chose to permanently return to England, attracted by the idea of pursuing barrister-only work.

Rajah found a place in chambers in the early nineties after being called to the Chancery Bar only a few months earlier. His chief inspiration during his early years in practice was a renowned QC named Leolin Price. Rajah describes Price had litigated and won cases before the House of Lords in virtually every area of law. More importantly, Price was a humble, supportive, and compassionate mentor.

Rajah’s accomplishments extend beyond his appointment as a High Court judge. He was appointed a Recorder in 2016 and was authorized to sit as a High Court Judge in the Chancery Division under section 9(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 in 2020.

He was also the Chair of the Chancery Bar Association from 2018 to 2020 and an Editor of Mellows Taxation of Executors and Trustees, an Editor of the Court of Protection Law Reports, and the Consultant Editor of Ranking Spicer Pegler, Executorship Law, Trusts and Accounts. In 2018, he was named Legal 500’s Private Client: Trusts and Probate Silk of the Year.

As he prepares to take up his appointment on 18 April 2023, Rajah’s journey from Ipoh to becoming a High Court judge in England is a testament to his grit, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

His appointment is a significant milestone for him and the Malaysian and British legal fraternity.