Upskilling Expert Witnesses - Individual Modules

Why This Programme?

• Strong negotiators and valuers don’t automatically make strong expert witnesses. This course will explain responsibilities and assist in adapting from client focused advocacy to impartial commentary to assist the court.
• Junior team members often support expert reports. This programme builds competence and confidence to contribute meaningfully in that role. Equally, these people may be the experts of the future.
• Your first case is the most memorable. This course is designed with that moment in mind, to prepare participants thoroughly for their debut case.
• A library resource when you need it. Few experts are called upon regularly, so it’s important to build skills without the pressure of an imminent court appearance. When those skills aren’t practiced often, procedures can become rusty. With most modules delivered online and fully recorded, you’ll have on-demand access to a library of resources whenever you need a refresher.
• Expert work is team-based…until it’s not. Understanding context and the Tribunal’s role is crucial. While solicitors, counsel and colleagues may help build the case, only the expert signs the report and stands alone in the witness box. The programme seeks to instil confidence in making the critical decisions.
• The courtroom is unforgiving. One biased or unsupported comment can damage your credibility beyond repair. The recent case Patarkatsishvili v Woodward-Fisher [2025] EWHC 265 (Ch) is a reminder of how high the stakes can be. What can we learn from the behaviours of others? The need to avoid giving “grudgingly monosyllabic responses”, see Nofax Station Road Limited V London Borough of Barnet [2025] UKUT 241 (LC).
• Disputes are often negotiated while they’re being prepared for Tribunal. This creates pressure on experts who may also be part of the negotiation team. We’ll explore the boundaries and responsibilities involved and whether this dual role is acceptable.
• Expert work can be isolating. We’ll share 'war stories', lessons learnt the hard way and guidance to help you avoid the same mistakes. 
• The need for skilled experts will not fade. Business Rates, Compulsory Purchase and Telecoms work is complex and specialised. So too, their disputes. Experts will always be needed to assist the Tribunal in making its determination.  
• This is so much more than CPD. There is no formal assessment. A certificate alone does not make a great expert witness - the value lies in mastering the skills, judgement and professional robustness required to be the “go-to” expert in your field and as seniors in your work the latter is far more motivating. It will be your developing career and those of others that will provide the testimony and value of the programme.

Although each jurisdiction has its own procedural nuances, the underlying anatomy of disputes is well understood. Courts and Tribunals apply established procedures for preparing and presenting cases and the expectations placed on experts (in conduct, evidence, and professionalism) are broadly consistent across forums but are quite different to giving evidence at a public planning inquiry. The rigour with which Judges and Tribunal members assess evidence is similarly ingrained, regardless of sector.