N.Y. Federal Judge Unseals Arbitration Documents, Finds They ‘Deserve Presumption of Access’

NEW YORK — A New York federal judge has unsealed arbitration-related documents filed in connection with a cedent’s petition to confirm a reinsurance arbitration award, ruling that they constitute “judicial documents” that “deserve a presumption of access.”

On Sept. 23, Judge Harold Baer Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York noted that whether the court actually decided the petition to confirm does not affect the weight of the presumption of access.

Eagle Star Insurance Company Ltd. and Home and Overseas Insurance Ltd. asked the District Court to confirm a Nov. 9, 2012, arbitration award …