Expert Witness Conference

Lord Chief Justice

Lord Chief Justice will open the conference as your keynote speaker. He is the Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales, the President of the Courts of England and Wales, and responsible for representing the views of the judiciary to Parliament and the Government.

Edward Bird, Solomonic

Solomonic is a research and analytics business bringing a data-driven perspective to litigation decision-making. Those involved in litigation can identify and monitor clients, track how relevant cases have been treated in the past, research experts, pick out data points which might impact case prospects, and utilise examples of how certain judges have dealt with fact patterns or arguments.

• How experts are scrutinised by AI
• How experts can use AI to help prepare their evidence
• How to use AI for marketing your expert witness practice

Kathryn Clague, Cardiff University

The hour all experts need to attend to ensure they are fully aware of new cases and changes to the law and procedure that are relevant to experts. Kathryn is a thorough and engaging lecturer at Cardiff University and is always well received at the conference. She will analyse and discuss what has been happening in the legal world over the past year.

George Spalton QC, 4 New Square

Since the case of Jones v Kaney, experts are potentially liable in both contract and negligence for the opinion proffered. George Spalton QC, as a specialist in litigation against professionals, will tell you how to effectively conduct your expert witness work by properly recording your methodology, activities, and systems by thinking evidentially. Good evidence will provide a better defence should an expert be sued.

Specialist speakers from four different legal areas will bring you up to date with current issues and best practice.

COMMERCIAL - Rajesh Pillai QC, 3 Verulam Buildings

Highly experienced litigator and arbitrator, Rajesh Pillai QC, provides a round-up of the key issues affecting expert witnesses involved in commercial cases.

CRIMINAL - Gary Pugh, Forensic Science Regulator

Hear the latest on the FSR’s powers for compliance and enforcement under the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021, as well as progress on the statutory code.

FAMILY - Elissa Da Costa-Waldman and Andrew Shaw, New Court Chambers

Get up to speed on the latest developments in family law and procedure with Elissa (matrimonial law) and Andrew (public children law).

MEDICO-LEGAL - Dr Jock Mackenzie and Jackie Spinks, Anthony Gold Solicitors

By popular demand this session has a dual focus on clinical negligence and personal injury litigation with our two leading experts from Anthony Gold.

Mark Cunningham-Dickie, Quorum Cyber - Mark Mills, Aquila Forensics

Fay Silverstone, solicitor and Bond Solon trainer, chairs a discussion with IT expert, Mark Cunningham-Dickie and construction dispute expert, Mark Mills. They will look at how to create an effective workflow using IT, how to unbundle the expert’s report as suggested by the Master of the Rolls last year, how to scale your practice in the new environment and how to work with digital evidence.

Narita Bahra QC, Garrick Law - Alexandra Felix QC, QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers

Mark Solon will chair a debate between Narita Bahra QC and Alexandra Felix QC on expert witnesses giving oral evidence in the court room or remotely. There is a strong trend towards giving evidence online. Some experts love it but many don’t. The debate will look at the pros and cons of each and how experts can adapt to both options.

• Is the trend for online evidence a good thing?
• How to give effective evidence either way
• Which should you choose if have a choice?