The Foundation Course is an intensive study through both the theory and more practical aspects of being an Expert Witness.

For the Expert that is about to undertake a large case this is the perfect opportunity to ‘brush up’ on little used techniques.

Why attend?

The course concentrates on the Expert's Report and the Role & Responsibilities of the Expert with a brief introduction into the Procedure Rules (CPR & CrPR) and preparation for going into court.

• Your Role
• Who and what is an Expert
• The role and duties of the Expert
• Instructions and their implications
• Terms of Engagement
• Fact Finding, early evaluation and pre-trial advice
• Code of Practice for Experts
• The Meeting of Experts - procedures and problems
• The Expert Witness tomorrow
• Your Report

As an Expert you will be judged on the quality of your report - not just the quality of your opinion. As well as technical accuracy you must take into account:

• Compliance
• Language
• Professional Guidelines
• Style

Topics covered include

• What the Expert needs to know and do prior to writing the Report
• What Counsel expects
• What your Instructing Solicitor fears
• The use of plain language
• Evaluating Experts’ Reports
• The Judicial Committee’s Model Form of Expert’s Report

Model Form of Expert's Report

The Academy of Expert's Model form of Expert’s Report was developed by the Academy’s Judicial Committee (a committee of senior members of the Judiciary, chaired by a Law Lord) to provide Experts with a ‘judge friendly’ format which would be accepted by the courts.