Events

The risks of acting as an expert witness

Giving expert witness opinion through legal proceedings to courts and specialist tribunals is an area of work requiring particular skills, knowledge and clear understanding of the requirements of the role.  Experts have to meet specific and onerous professional responsibilities and duties. When a Court or tribunal is critical of an expert – either as a result of their technical competence, ethical behaviour of failure to meet their professional duties – it damages the reputation of the individual and undermines confidence in the profession as a whole. It can also lead to criminal sanction. 

Given the increased regulatory risk, scrutiny and profile in this area of practice RICS have developed bespoke webinar-based training with leading counsel Guy Fetherstonhaugh QC and Oliver Radley-Gardner QC for RICS members practising in this area.  RICS executives from the Dispute Resolution Service and Regulation will explain the professional and regulatory framework for expert witness work, and Guy and Oliver will share their specialist advice and insight on how to avoid common pitfalls, how to reduce the risk of being criticised by the Courts and how to enhance professional practice.

RICS members who act as expert witnesses are invited to join the webinar on Friday 2 July 2021 from 2pm to 4pm.   This Free CPD webinar provides two hours of formal CPD for members.  It is highly recommended for RICS members practicing in this area to help demonstrate that they are maintaining their knowledge and competence, to help avoid judicial criticism and to help avoid concerns bring raised.