Virtual Expert Witness Training for IAFLL Members
IAFLL are offering members discounted access to expert witness training delivered by Bond Solon, a leading provider of expert witness training in the UK. These virtual training courses are held on Zoom, and the cost to IAFLL members represents a saving of nearly £200.00 on Bond Solon’s normal price for public courses.
Three different courses are available: ‘Excellence in Report Writing’, ‘Courtroom Skills’ and ‘Cross- Examination Day’. Although some information will be specific to the UK, training will focus on jurisdiction-neutral best practice, suitable for IAFLL members anywhere in the World.
By way of introduction to Bond Solon and their approach, you can watch a short video they have produced on ‘Becoming an Expert Witness.’ It is presented by one of their barrister trainers and explores (amongst other topics): duties and responsibilities of an expert, when is it appropriate for one to become an expert, and how does one find work in this area.
Details of each of the courses and how to sign up are below.
Excellence in Report Writing
The course covers two half days:
- 21 June 2022 9.30am – 12.45pm (UK time)
- 22 June 2022 09.30am – 12.45pm (UK time)
£240 pp. maximum 16 delegates
An expert witness’s report is a vital element in litigation. It must be clear, succinct, independent, and well presented.
This course explores what lawyers and the courts expect and require from expert witness reports and provides expert witnesses with the key skills to produce court compliant reports. Experts will learn how to produce quickly and consistently reports that are both court compliant and will withstand cross-examination.
Key Learning Points
- Identifying the issues to be addressed in your report
- Using a structured approach to preparation and writing
- Expressing an independent view and arguing your conclusion
- Handling supporting information
- Developing an objective and critical eye in relation to your report
- Insulating your report against cross-examination
Courtroom Skills
The course covers two half days:
- 03 October 2022 9.30am – 12.45pm (UK time)
- 04 October 2022 09.30am – 12.45pm (UK time)
£240 pp. maximum 16 delegates of which only 8 will be cross-examined.
However, the other delegates will benefit from observing the cross-examination and feedback of others.
The Witness Box is a lonely place. Many expert witnesses feel they are on trial, standing in the dock instead of giving independent testimony to assist the court. Often, experts are unfamiliar with the environment as few cases go to the full trial. But a poor performance can undermine confidence and credibility.
This course will provide expert witnesses with the core skills to effectively present opinion-based-evidence in court under cross-examination. It is an intensive and highly practical training day. First, we examine the theory, practice and procedure of giving evidence, demystifying the process. Then you are cross-examined on a case study that you prepare in your field of expertise. A professional trainer, who is an experienced lawyer, gives constructive feedback on your witness box presentation.
Key Learning Points
- Understanding your role as an independent educator of the court
- Identifying key skills of presenting effective evidence in-person or remotely
- Determining techniques lawyers use in cross-examination and how to handle them, including how this may differ with remote hearings.
- Expressing an opinion based on the foundation of fact.
- Learning how to give confident, clear testimony under cross-examination in-person or remotely
Cross-Examination Day
(**Potential Additional Course – This course will be provided if sufficient interest is expressed**)
A follow on to the Excellence in Report Writing and Courtroom Skills Training, this intensive cross-examination training helps you as an expert to refine and enhance your performance, and to gain mastery of your presentation.
You will be expected to write a full report based on what you have learned from the Excellence in report Writing course and submit it. You will then be cross-examined on your completed report, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The second cross-examination is recorded.
Key Learning Points
- Dealing with in-depth cross examination on a full report.
- Making full use of supporting documents, plans, photographs etc.
- Getting to the essence of a complex case and communicating clearly with the judge.
- Handling difficult cross-examination techniques confidently.
To book your place on one or more of these courses, click here.
IAFLL Executive Committee
