Associate Expert Witness Cross-Examination Training Day
In early June, Cathy Preston, Head of Expert Witness Services at Bush & Co, was joined by a number of our associate expert witnesses at the Slater & Gordon Manchester offices for an insightful day of training on the role of an expert witness and cross-examination skills for the courtroom.
Ben Gent, Head of Medical Negligence (Manchester) from Slater & Gordon, led the first of three sessions, opening discussions by delving into the role of the expert witness in court proceedings, where it can go wrong and how to get it right. Utilising his extensive legal experience, he guided the room through building a strong report and what is truly important to the courts.
Our second session, hosted by Darryl Allen KC, Barrister with Byrom Street Chambers, then explored cross-examination, the role of barristers in proceedings and how to withstand questioning in court. Joined by Bush & Co associate expert witness Claire Turnbull, he then demonstrated cross-examination through an intense role-play scenario, preparing the associates for what is often seen as the most challenging component of a case for expert witnesses.
To conclude the day, Bush & Co associate expert witnesses Alexa Dawson and Stephen Marks took the floor to discuss their own experiences of court; two very different and distinct experiences that provided context for the informative sessions that came before.
Cathy Preston, Head of Expert Witness Services, said about the training: “Although we offer regular training opportunities to all of our associate expert witnesses throughout the year, there is something special about bringing these professionals together in person. Days like this give them the chance to learn from experienced barristers and solicitors, share experiences with colleagues and take part in practical exercises that bring the realities of expert witness work to life. Watching experts grow in confidence and leave with new insights, skills and a stronger sense of community is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
Many thanks to Slater & Gordon for hosting our delegates, and to Ben Gent and Darryl Allen for their enlightening presentations.
At Bush & Co, we are proud of our 40 year legacy which allows us to support a network of over 180 associate expert witnesses across 25 report types. We provide access to training days that strengthen expert witness knowledge and experience such as this to all associate expert witnesses throughout their time working with us. This means that when you instruct an expert witness working with Bush & Co you can be confident that they understand their responsibilities and your expectations.
