Webinar Overview

There are regular reports of expert evidence going awry in the courts, sometimes with serious consequences for cases, clients, and professional reputations. This webinar examines why expert evidence is not accepted, limited, or even wholly rejected at trial.

Through a practical and case-focused lens, the session explores the legal framework governing expert evidence, the definition of who qualifies as an “expert,” and the procedural requirements for obtaining the court’s permission to rely on such evidence. It also considers admissibility principles, the lawyer’s responsibilities when instructing and working with experts, and the warning signs of “experts behaving badly.”

Designed for litigators and legal professionals, this webinar provides practical guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls, strengthen expert evidence strategy, and respond effectively when expert evidence is challenged.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the legal framework governing expert evidence and the key procedural rules that apply.
• Identify who qualifies as an expert, including the limits of expertise and challenges to expert status.
• Explain the process for obtaining the court’s permission to rely on expert evidence and the consequences of non-compliance.
• Assess the admissibility of expert evidence, including relevance, reliability, independence, and proportionality.
• Recognise the lawyer’s role in instructing, communicating with, and managing experts while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.
• Identify warning signs of problematic expert conduct (“experts behaving badly”) and take appropriate remedial action.
• Develop strategies to reduce the risk of expert evidence being limited, criticised, or rejected at trial.