Expert Witness Training
The provision of expert evidence to a court or tribunal under cross examination is a specialist skill.
An expert witness providing an opinion in testimony under oath (or affirmation) in a courtroom is a very different experience from providing professional opinions in other circumstances, and can be particularly daunting and difficult for even the most experienced and qualified experts in their respective fields. For this reason Loquitur has developed expert witness training courses specifically tailored to the provision of oral evidence in court by expert witnesses.
Expert witnesses have particular duties to the court (or tribunal) over and above the normal duties of factual witnesses. Furthermore, often expert witnesses are (inevitably) particularly well versed on the technical details of their area of expertise, however in some cases can find it difficult to explain those concepts and share the knowledge, findings and opinions with the judges, barristers and solicitors in the Court. A detailed, rigorous and granular examination of an expert’s opinion contained in their report will be undertaken by the opposing advocate (usually a barrister) and the verbal expression and testing of these opinions and conclusions in a courtroom while under the pressure of cross examination, is a scenario for which it is particularly difficult for an expert to prepare.
Loquitur’s expert witness familiarisation training courses seek to give expert witnesses the confidence, knowledge, skill and ability to deliver their evidence in the most effective way possible. Our courses are specifically tailored to expert witnesses to enhance their courtroom skills and demeanour and to help them deal with:
The specific duties owed by experts to the Court;
Common tricks and traps that counsel use when cross-examining expert witnesses;
Strategies to recognise and counter these; and
Rigorous testing of an expert witness under pressure under mock cross examination.
Loquitur’s expert witness training courses are available for expert witnesses across all jurisdictions and all types of legal proceedings, for expert testimony provided in both courts and tribunals. Training sessions are also available for members of professional bodies and organisations who also regularly give evidence in the courtroom in their line of work. Our courses are suitable for all experts and professional witnesses, including in particular:
Doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses and other medical experts and professionals;
Accountants and valuers;
Chartered surveyors;
Engineers; and
Scientific and technical experts.
Our courses are specifically designed to give expert witnesses:
A detailed awareness of the various tactics which advocates use when assessing expert evidence.
Their own strategies to use to counter an advocate’s tactics.
Skill and experience in stressful and difficult scenarios.
The opportunity to practice the delivery of evidence.
A thorough understanding of the court process.
The confidence to effectively deliver their evidence in all settings.
Ongoing assurance they will present in the best way possible.
Training courses for experts are available in-person in Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane and Canberra and surrounding areas, and elsewhere by appointment. Training is also available remotely by video-link.
Contact Loquitur today to see how our specially designed expert witness training courses may be of benefit for you, or your organisation.
Likely to be giving evidence in Court? If so, check out our Tips for Expert Witnesses Giving Evidence in Court and our General tips for all witnesses in Court for some pointers on how best to deliver your evidence. These, and more, are covered in our specialist expert witness training and familiarisation courses.
To see how we can help you please contact us.
What tips can we offer all witnesses?
