In test case design, are "steps" required or not?

A general question regarding the testing.

Should the test cases be written without the steps? My lead test cases are written assuming you know all requirements and system. So no need to write the steps because as a QA person, you know the steps to test the requirement. And for executing a test case, you can go through the BRD/SRS again.

Won't this be a double effort?

1. Looking the requirement again in BRD which is there in 2-3 pages non-consecutively.
2. Not sufficient for any new tester.
3. Tester can forget the steps needed to test a requirement

Advantages of writing steps:

1. Don't have to look the BRD again.
2. Proper test cases with steps can be used by any tester.
3. Proper coverage.

So steps are required for preparing proper test cases? Are there any standards/rules of thumb for writing test cases at the original level?

No, you should not write the test cases without the steps because:

1. It's an essential part of the test case. Without it, you can't understand the test cases.
2. When you hand over the tests, it will be easier for the other person to execute those test cases.
3. If an issue occurs in the future and your PM asks what steps did you perform, the steps will be proof that you tested the features.