Being a witness in court requires certain skills. As a practitioner with many years experience of litigation in the civil, family and criminal courts I have direct experience of the process. Preparing people to give evidence, instructing experts and drafting witness statements has been a part of my daily working life for the past two decades.

These courses are designed to prepare expert witnesses and other professionally employed witnesses for the whole experience of the Court process. The courses are available as separate modules, or in combination and can be delivered in house or by booking. Please contact us for more information and details of when the courses are running.

Being an Expert Witness – everything from taking initial instructions, preparing advice and an initial report right through to giving evidence. It is an intensive 1 day course that is made up of a number of modules. 

The Role of the Expert – an overview of the Expert Witnesses roles and responsibilities to clients and to the Court. This course also considers terms of engagement and how to get paid promptly. This course looks at the Practice Directions and good practice advice for experts in Criminal, Family and Civil proceedings.   Joint or Sole instructions

The Expert’s report – what makes a good report? What is a good report? A practical module that examines the importance of the report, evidential requirements, what to include and what to leave out. It also covers expert’s meetings and pre report advice.

Expert Immunity - what happens now? In March 2010 the Supreme Court abolished expert immunity from suit. It means that experts can now face damages claims for breach of contract or negligence when performing their role as expert witnesses. This module examines the whole issue in some depth and looks at practical ways to avoid litigation or criticism.

The Expert in the Dock – cross examination, evidence in chief and the practical court process. This is a very practical module and looks at techniques for giving evidence, the different jurisdictions and how best to prepare and manage giving oral evidence to the judge.