Ethics Training CPD

Loquitur is pleased to provide the following continuing professional
development / continuing legal education training video free to all practitioners.

Watch the course

Trusted by law firms, witnesses and experts throughout Australia and globally

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About the Ethics
CPD Video

The video, titled “Witness Preparation: Safely Walking a Fine Ethical Line” was initially presented by one of Loquitur’s barrister-trainers, Steven Hogg of McPherson Chambers live to King & Wood Mallesons. The video discusses:

The concepts and ethics of witness proofing, witness preparation, witness training and witness coaching

The various ethical practice rules and obligations relating to witness preparation

Cases, both in Australia and abroad, where witness preparation was (and was not) conducted in an ethical manner

Explains how witness familiarisation can help practitioners in ethically preparing both witnesses of fact and expert witnesses across all types of claims and other contentious matters

Concludes with a brief mock cross examination similar to those conducted by Loquitur as part of our specialised witness training courses

Timestamps of free ethics CPD course:

02:35 Concepts

10:14 Practice Rules

13:39 Cases (Australia)

18:50 Cases (abroad)

25:10 Witness familiarisation training

37:31 Mock cross examination

Who this training is for

Designed for professionals who provide expert evidence, this course offers practical guidance on ethics, courtroom conduct, and cross-examination preparation.

01

Expert witnesses seeking to better understand courtroom dynamics and cross-examination techniques

02

Legal professionals required to meet annual ethics CPD/CLE obligations

03

Individuals involved in preparing or reviewing expert reports for legal proceedings

04

Solicitors and barristers in all Australian and other common law jurisdictions internationally

05

Witnesses who may be subject to mock cross-examinations or rehearsals as part of case preparation

06

Consultants and advisors interested in ethical considerations in witness preparation

What our clients
say about us

“No particular single highlight - overall it was extremely informative and the presenter was very knowledgeable and conveyed the information in a very easy to comprehend manner.”
Professional witness, Queensland
“The mock trial example illustrated well what the speaker was saying and it was interesting.”
Executive, Melbourne
“Clear explanations and clear slides that are easy to refer back to, covering all aspects of the expert witness process”
Expert Witness, New Zealand
"A must as part of any trial prep"
JH - Partner, NSW
“All was clear and very useful. Thanks for such a useful meeting.”
NM, Lay Witness, Poland
“I liked [the] rather informal approach, we were distressed by upcoming hearings and presenter was able to calm me down”
AM, Lay Witness
“Fabulous – Really Valuable.”
MJ, Expert Witness and Company Director, QLD
“Fantastic service. We really appreciated the short turn-around time which was most impressive”
NS, Senior Associate, Sydney
"Innovative and practical"
PB - Practice Principal, NSW
“Everyone seemed to appreciate it. The role play was fun.”
AW, Expert Witness (Psychologist), Victoria
“Probably the most enthused and animated I’ve seen this particular bunch for some time!”
Chief Commercial Officer, Expert Witness Agency
"Our client was successful in its defence and the witness went much better than if he had not received the witness training."
MK, Lawyer, NSW
“The training afforded good insight into the Psycho/legal nexus.”
Psychologist, Melbourne
“Very professional and showcased great expertise in the expert witness space and we all gained great insight into the expert/ cross-examination process.”
Forensic Accountant, Sydney
“Overall it was extremely informative and the presenter was very knowledgeable and conveyed the information in a very easy to comprehend manner.”
Public Servant, Sydney
“It was very helpful to have this presented by a solicitor to understand the requirements of a witness (clinical or expert) and for reports, as well as their role in the process."
Health Professional, Melbourne
“The knowledge of the presenter was apparent in his delivery of the content. He was clear in his explanations and engaging throughout."
Management Executive, NSW
“No particular single highlight - overall it was extremely informative and the presenter was very knowledgeable and conveyed the information in a very easy to comprehend manner.”
Professional witness, Queensland
“The mock trial example illustrated well what the speaker was saying and it was interesting.”
Executive, Melbourne
“Clear explanations and clear slides that are easy to refer back to, covering all aspects of the expert witness process”
Expert Witness, New Zealand
"A must as part of any trial prep"
JH - Partner, NSW
“All was clear and very useful. Thanks for such a useful meeting.”
NM, Lay Witness, Poland
“I liked [the] rather informal approach, we were distressed by upcoming hearings and presenter was able to calm me down”
AM, Lay Witness

What is Loquitur’s mission?

Loquitur is committed to equipping all witnesses with the confidence, knowledge and skills to handle all aspects of the evidential process.

Our mission is to deliver specialised witness training and support across Australia and internationally, enabling witnesses to present articulate, persuasive, effective, and compelling testimony in all legal settings, such as courts, tribunals, inquiries, and arbitrations.

About loquitur

Self Paced Online Courses

Develop the essential skills, knowledge and confidence to present your evidence effectively. Specially designed courses empower both expert witnesses and lay witnesses to excel in their crucial role in the legal process with clarity and credibility

Enroll now

Witness Familiarisation

Prepare thoroughly for cross-examination with these live witness preparation courses specifically designed for both lay and expert witnesses, enhancing your ability to present evidence clearly and confidently in upcoming proceedings. Available live in person and live via video-call.

Learn more

Expert Witness Training

Live, bespoke and in-house training options for groups of experts and companies/organisations. Engage in tailored expert witness training to refine your employee’s skills across all aspects of the evidential process. These programs ensure expert witnesses are best placed to provide evidence, to the credit of themselves, and their organisations or employers.

Learn more

Witness Skills

Specifically designed for public servants, health professionals, local councils and emergency services personnel. This live and bespoke in house witness preparation training enhances your employee’s ability to give, collect, and prepare evidence, ensuring effectiveness in all legal contexts - including courts, subpoenas, and tribunals.

Learn more

Free Learning

Loquitur offers a free CPD training video for expert witnesses, focusing on cross-examination skills. This witness training video provides practical insights and techniques to help you deliver your testimony confidently and effectively under cross-examination. This CPD also considers ethical considerations for experts and their legal teams in expert witness preparation.

Learn more

Frequently Asked
Questions

What are legal ethics?
Legal ethics refers to the principles and standards that govern the professional conduct of those involved in the practice of law, including solicitors and barristers (aka attorneys in the USA), but also witnesses, law clerks, paralegals, legal trainees and other legal staff. These ethics ensure that legal practitioners and legal professionals act with integrity, fairness, and respect for the legal system, the court, and all parties and individuals involved in legal proceedings.
Legal ethics are important because they uphold the rule of law and ensure justice is administered fairly and impartially. They protect the rights of all parties involved, maintain public confidence in the legal system, courts and judiciary, and prevent misconduct and corruption within the legal profession. By adhering to ethical standards, legal professionals and legal practitioners contribute to a trustworthy and effective judicial system.
Legal ethics and ethical preparation of witnesses are crucial for solicitors and barristers because they ensure the integrity and reliability of the evidence and testimony provided in legal proceedings. Ethical guidelines and requirements help maintain the fairness of the trial process, protect the rights of all parties involved, and uphold the credibility of the judicial system.

Key ethical obligations of a solicitor include:

  • A lawyer’s primary duty is to the court
  • Act in the best interest of your client
  • Be honest and courteous in the course of legal practice
  • Deliver legal services competently
  • Avoid conflicts of interests or compromises of the lawyer’s integrity or professional independence
  • Comply with the practice rules and the law

Similar rules also apply to barristers, albeit with some subtle differences given the different nature of the profession.

 

A legal practitioner, whether a barrister or solicitor, should ensure all witnesses are prepared to give evidence in court ethically. To do this they:

  • Should not advise or suggest to the witness that false or misleading evidence should be given
  • Should not coach a witness by advising what answers the witness should give to questions asked during cross examination
  • Can express a general requirement to tell the truth
  • Can question and test in conference the evidence of the witness
  • Can draw the witness’ attention to difficulties, problems or inconsistencies in that witness’ evidence
  • Should ensure the witnesses understand their ethical obligations and the importance of honesty and accuracy in their testimony

Participating in Loquitur`s courses, especially legal ethics CPD free course, can help witnesses in preparation by providing them with specialised training, knowledge and resources to confidently and ethically deliver their testimony.

Contact Us

Interested to see how we could help? Contact us using the form below. We will get back to you within 24 hours.

Call our head office:

+61 (02) 8231 6661

Email us at:

[email protected]