Expert Matters

In this month's episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we explore recent developments in Transparency and Open Justice, looking particularly at the Transparency and Open Justice Board's recently finalised Key Objectives and the Civil Procedure Rule Committee's Access to Public Domain Documents Pilot, which commences on 1 January 2026. You can also catch our 'What's going on at EWI' and 'Newsreel' segments to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of expert witnesses and expert evidence. Chapters:00:00-Introduction01:22-What's going on at EWI?03:32-Introduction to Transparency and Open Justice05:15-Access to Public Domain Documents Pilot09:40-Implications of the Pilot for Expert Witnesses13:04-Transparency and Open Justice Board Key Objectives18:43-Newsreel22:25-ConclusionDetails of the resources, events, case updates, and other materials discussed in this episode are available at: Transparency and Open Justice | Podcast Episode 19

Today is the start of the 24th UK Pro Bono Week. In this extra edition of the Expert Matters Podcast we discuss the EWI's recent Partnership with the Pro Bono Expert Support Scheme with Emily Sherratt, Project Director of the National Pro Bono Centre, and James Goldsmith KC from One Essex Court. Find out about acting as a Pro Bono Expert Witness under the Scheme, how it works, the benefits, and how you can get involved if you are interested. Chapters00:00-Introduction02:01-The Pro Bono Expert Support Scheme16:21-ConclusionDetails of the resources, events, case updates, and other materials discussed in this episode are available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 18: Pro Bono Expert Evidence - Podcast

October 10th is World Mental Health Day and in this month's episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we look at the issue of wellbeing and resilience as an expert witness. We discuss some learnings from recent judgments, have a really insightful talk with EWI member and Clinical Psychologist Dr Claire Wilson, before hearing advice from the members of EWI's Editorial Committee. You can also catch our 'What's going on at EWI' and 'Newsreel' segments to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of expert witnesses and expert evidence. Chapters:00:00-Introduction01:14-What's going on at EWI?04:19-Introduction05:00-Learnings from judgments11:41-Dr Claire Wilson28:15-Advice from EWI Editorial Committee members37:00-Newsreel39:15-ConclusionDetails of the resources, events, case updates, and other materials discussed in this episode are available at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wellbeing & Resilience for Expert Witnesses -...

In the 16th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, Simon and Sean, discuss CV Writing. We look at the purpose of expert CVs, the rules and regulations, go through a couple of cases, before hearing some great advice from the members of the EWI Editorial Committee and from Beth Rigby who presents EWI's popular CV Writing webinar. You can also catch our 'What's going on at EWI' and 'Newsreel' segments to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of expert witnesses and expert evidence. Chapters:00:00-Introduction01:03-What's going on at EWI?03:19-The purpose of expert CVs06:41-Rules and regulations08:09-Learnings from judgments11:16-What solicitors look for in expert CVs14:48-Tailoring your expert CV18:13-Expert CVs when acting in other jurisdictions19:26-EWI's CV writing webinar and toolkit23:51-Newsreel27:36-ConclusionDetails of the resources, events, case updates, and other materials discussed in this episode are available at: ⁠Podcast Episode 16: CV Writing

In the 15th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, Simon and EWI's Membership Manager, Will Watkis, discuss the power of EWI membership and the practical and professional development that comes with EWI involvement. They unpack what EWI does, who it is for, the kinds of support and training we offer, and why being part of EWI could be a game changer for your expert witness career. Don't forget to also check out our 'What's going on at EWI' and 'Newsreel' segments to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of expert witnesses and expert evidence. Chapters:00:00-Introduction01:49-What's going on at EWI?03:17-The landscape for Expert Witnesses04:11-What is EWI and who is it for?05:10-Why members join and stay06:32-Training and development for all stages08:38-Ethics, standards and professional support09:41-Real member stories10:54-How to join and how to get more involved11:58-Final thoughts and call to action13:25-Newsreel16:56-ConclusionDetails of the resources and case updates discussed in this episode are available at: ⁠Podcast Episode 15: The Power of EWI membership: Raising Standards in Expert Witness Practice

In the 14th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, Simon and EWI's Marketing and Events Manger, Heather George, reflect on their highlights from EWI's 2025 Annual Conference which was held on 20 June. The Conference featured a great line-up of panels and speakers, with keynote speeches from Lady Rose, Justice of the Supreme Court, and Lord Justice Birrs, the Deputy Head of Civil Justice. A wide range of lawyers, judges and expert witnesses joined the panel sessions, and EWI member Dr Richard Marshall provided an insightful session on AI and the Expert Witness. You can also check out our 'What's going on at EWI' and 'Newsreel' segments to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of expert witnesses and expert evidence. Chapters:00:00-Introduction00:44-What's going on at EWI?02:56-EWI Annual Conference 202503:35-Opening keynote speech: Lady Rose09:02-Panel 1: Lessons from the Courts16:49-Panel 2: Maintaining credibility and impact21:01-Panel 3: The rise and relevance of ADR23:23-Dr Richard Marshall, AI and the Expert Witness26:26-Closing keynote speech: Lord Justice Birrs35:40-Newsreel40:41-ConclusionDetails of the resources and case updates discussed in this episode are available at: Podcast Episode 14: Reflections on the EWI Annual Conference 2025

In the 13th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we look at five long-standing policy issues that have had significant developments recently: (1) Transparency and Open Justice, (2) Expert Fees, (3) Expert Regulation, (4) Artificial Intelligence, and (5) Fixed Recoverable Costs. We discuss the issues, what's been happening and where developments might lead. We also say a sad farewell to our wonderful Membership Manager, Wiebke Morgan, who is retiring this month. We catch up with Wiebke to talk about her time and EWI and the most frequent errors by experts that she’s seen over her time here. And as always check out the latest news in our 'What's going on at EWI?' and 'Newsreel' segments.Chapters:00:00-Introduction00:38-What's going on at EWI?01:44-Wiebke Morgan09:53-Transparency and Open Justice14:15-Expert Fees17:23-Expert Regulation21:26-Artificial Intelligence24:08-Fixed Recoverable Costs26:08-Newsreel28:16-ConclusionDetails of the resources and case updates discussed in this episode are available at: Podcast Episode 13: Long-standing Policy Issues

In the 12th episode of the Expert Matters Podcast, we discuss Expert Discussions and Joint Statements. Joint Statements are critical documents in any proceeding, so join us as we discuss how to do them well and avoid the common pitfalls, look at the EWI's recently refreshed guidance, and hear top tips from Beth Rigby and Jessica Thurston, who present the EWI webinar on Expert Discussions and Joint Statements. And 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-Introduction00:32-What's going on at EWI?01:48-What are Expert Discussions and Joint Statements?03:25-Rules and Regulations05:43-Key Stages07:04-Beth Rigby's Top Tips09:39-Jessica Thurston's Top Tips15:38-Some lessons from the Courts17:34-Refreshed EWI Guidance18:28-Newsreel20:30-ConclusionDetails of the resources and case updates discussed in this episode are available at: ⁠Podcast Episode 12: Expert Discussions and Joint Statements

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-Introduction00:47-What's going on at EWI?02:23-Developments in AI in the legal sector06:40-Richard Marshall10:41-Case Update: How not to use AI12:30-How experts are using AI16:07-Dos and don'ts23:39-Newsreel26:30-ConclusionDetails 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-Introduction00:55-What's going on at EWI?01:47-Panel Discussion40:30-Newsreel41:52-ConclusionDetails 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-Introduction01:38-What is an Expert Witness03:21 -What is the Expert Witness Institute03:44-Membership of the Expert Witness Institute20:48-Expert Witness Training32:46-Your Next Steps: Advice from the EWI Team38:15-Working with Agencies39:27-ConclusionDetails 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 Details of the resources and judgments discussed in this episode are available at: Podcast Episode 8: Re-evaluating your opinion

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: Podcast Episode 7: Review of 2024

In the 6th Episode of Expert Matters Podcast, Simon talks with retired Barrister and expert witness trainer, Giles Eyre, who is retiring as an EWI trainer at the end of this year. Giles offers invaluable insights and advice on the common mistakes experts make, how to handle giving a range of opinion, the key things that make a good report, ensuring confidence in the courtroom and cross-examinations, along with lots of other great learning points. This podcast is an essential listen for Expert Witnesses, and anyone thinking of the entering the profession. Chapters: 00:00-Introduction 00:59-Discussion with Giles Eyre 24:32-Conclusion Details of the resources discussed in this episode are available at: Podcast Episode 6: In Conversation with Giles Eyre

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: Episode 5: Range of Opinion (ewi.org.uk)

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: Episode 3: Single Joint Expert (ewi.org.uk)

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: Episode 2: The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and the importance of Expert Witness training (ewi.org.uk)

CEO of the Expert Witness Institute, Simon Berney-Edwards, and the Institute's Policy Manager, Sean Mosby, introduce their new podcast on the world of Expert Witnesses and expert evidence, before reflecting on highlights from the Institute's recent Annual Conference.