Promoting and enhancing best practice and technical expertise

Upskilling Experts Module 2: Rules, Roles and Responsibilities

Module Two of our Upskilling Experts series looks at "Rules, Roles and Responsibilities: Navigating the Transition to Expert Witness".

Module Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes

Recorded: 13/04/2026

Areas covered

Moving from negotiation or advocacy into the role of an expert witness, demands a fundamental shift in mindset. Experts must step away from partisanship and embrace independence, objectivity and impartiality as their duty moves from a client advisor to one assisting the Tribunal.

  • What makes a great expert witness?
  • Legal framework: CPR Part 35, Tribunal Rules and Practice Directions
  • Distinguishing the expert’s role from that of an advocate or negotiator
  • Shifting mindset: from persuasion to impartiality
  • Understanding how the outcome of other expert issues can influence your evidence - preparing to present alternative options
  • Core duties: independence, objectivity and truthfulness
  • Building an effective litigation team: the roles of solicitors, barristers and experts
  • Managing conflict of interest and ethical obligations
  • Practical guidance on presenting evidence credibly without straying into argument

Sessions Include:

  • Legal Framework: CPR Part 35, Tribunal Rules and Practice Directions
  • What Makes a Good Expert Tips and Traps
  • Transition from a Negotiator to an Expert
  • Managing Clients and their Expectations

Speakers: