Jason Gallian joined Essex from Nottinghamshire on a two-year deal in September 2007.
The opener, whose contract with Notts expired at the end of that season, will provide a much-needed injection of experience into the Essex ranks.

Gallian, who appeared in three Test matches for England in 1995, has amassed over 14000 first-class runs at an average of just under 40 in a senior career that started in 1990.
The Australian-born cricketer is now with his third county having enjoyed successful spells with both Lancashire and Nottinghamshire.

Included in his 36 first-class centuries is 312 for Lancashire against Derbyshire in 1996 - the highest score recorded at Old Trafford.

Gallian was an ever-present member of the Notts side that won promotion back to Division One of the Championship last season, hitting 867 runs @ 36.12. In addition he scored 215 runs @ 53.75 in the Friends Provident Trophy.