Expert Matters

In the 11th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we take a look at how AI is being used by Expert Witnesses. We discuss general developments related to AI in the legal sector, hear from EWI member and computer expert Richard Marshall, listen to some of the ways AI is currently being used by Expert Witnesses, and discuss some dos and don'ts when using AI. As usual, we begin with our segment on 'What's going on at EWI?' and end with 'Newsreel', a quick fire discussion of the key things you need to know this month. 

Chapters:

00:00-Introduction

00:47-What's going on at EWI?

02:23-Developments in AI in the legal sector

06:40-Richard Marshall

10:41-Case Update: How not to use AI

12:30-How experts are using AI

16:07-Dos and don'ts

23:39-Newsreel

26:30-Conclusion

Details of the resources and case updates discussed in this episode are available at: Podcast Episode 11: AI and the Expert Witnesss

In Episode 10 of the Expert Matters Podcast we celebrate International Women's Day. Women are appointed or testify in only 9% of disputes worldwide and in many fields there are many fewer female expert witnesses than female practitioners overall. We hear from a guest panel of Kathryn Britten, Dr Frances Cranfield and Dr Kathryn Newns on the barriers and challenges women face and some potential solutions, before EWI's Membership Manager, Wiebke Morgen, tells us about EWI's involvement in the Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses (ERE) Pledge.

Chapters:

00:00-Introduction

00:55-What's going on at EWI?

01:47-Panel Discussion

40:30-Newsreel

41:52-Conclusion

Details of the resources and case updates discussed in this episode are available at: Podcast Episode 10: Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses

In the 9th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we look at how to become an Expert Witness. If you think expert witness work might be for you, don't miss the great advice in this month's episode where we talk to the wider EWI team on expert witness training, how to become an EWI member, and the key next steps to get your practice up and running, from setting up your business, terms and conditions, and insurance to sorting out your CV, marketing strategy and web presence.

Chapters:

00:00-Introduction

01:38-What is an Expert Witness

03:21 -What is the Expert Witness Institute

03:44-Membership of the Expert Witness Institute

20:48-Expert Witness Training

32:46-Your Next Steps: Advice from the EWI Team

38:15-Working with Agencies

39:27-Conclusion

Details of the resources discussed in this episode are available at:

Podcast 9: Becoming an Expert Witness

In the 8th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we discuss re-evaluating your opinion. We look at possible reasons why you might wish to re-evaluate your opinion and the stages in the proceedings where re-evaluation is most likely to occur, before hearing from three senior judges on how re-evaluating your opinion can sometimes be positive for your expert evidence, but may also be disastrous. 

Chapters:

00:00-Introduction

01:23-London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham v G 

03:36-Wilson v the Ministry of Justice 

04:45-Possible reasons for re-evaluating your opinion

06:16-Key stages for re-evaluating your opinion

08:07-Mr Abeezar Sarela

09:52-Sir Martin Spencer

12:09-Lord Justice Hamblen

13:18-Lady Justice Simler

14:41 -Conclusion

In episode 7 and the last podcast for 2024, we look back at the ten key issues for expert witnesses that we've seen over the course of 2024 and make our predictions for the 10 things to look out for in 2025.

Chapters

00:00-Introduction

00:54-The importance of knowing your duties

02:58-Handling conflicts of interest

04:22-Being respectful of everyone's roles

06:13-Attacks on your credibility

08:35-Inclusion of a range of opinion

09:34-Considering all the available evidence

10:35-Fundamental Dishonesty

11:43-Re-evaluating your opinion

13:40-Duties of the Single Joint Expert

14:34-Alternative Dispute Resolution

14:40-10 things to look out for in 2025

20:52-Conclusion

Details of the resources, judgments and other information discussed in this episode are available at:

Chapters:

00:59-Discussion with Giles Eyre

24:32-Conclusion

Details of the resources discussed in this episode are available at:

Episode 5 of the Expert Matters podcast is focussed on Range of Opinion. We catch up with Colin Holburn, Chair of the EWI Membership Committee, to find out about the sorts of issues his committee sees in the expert reports submitted to them, before hearing advice from Colin and Lady Justice Simler on how to ensure you meet the requirement to provide a range of opinion. 

Chapters

00:00-Introduction

03:17-Problems we see in Expert Reports 

07:20-Expectations of EWI members

10:00-What is range of opinion

16:26-Giffiths v Tui UK Ltd

18:31-Advice on meeting the requirement on range of opinion

Details of the resources, judgments and rules and regulations discussed in this episode are available at:

In Episode 4, Simon and Sean discuss expert fees. They talk to Dominic Woodhouse from Partners in Costs about cost management: budgeting in civil proceedings, discuss the recent case of CXR V Dome Holdings on the breakdown of agency fees, and reflect on member feedback on the legal aid system.

Details of the resources, judgement and other matters discussed in this episode are available at: Episode 4: Expert Fees (ewi.org.uk)

Simon and Sean discuss Single Joint Experts and catch up with two EWI members who act as Single Joint Experts to hear about their experiences, the challenges they face, and their tips and advice. 

Details of the resources and judgments discussed in this episode are available at:

Simon and Sean discuss the importance of Expert Witness training in the context of Gareth Jenkins' evidence before the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and some recent court judgments.

Details of the judgments discussed in this episode are available at: