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06 June 2014 / Mark Solon
Issue: 7609 / Categories: Features , Expert Witness , Profession
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Too high a risk?

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Is being an expert witness still worth it, asks Mark Solon

Being an expert witness has become much more of an exacting career path in recent years. No longer the “cushy number” some might have considered it 30 years ago, giving expert evidence in court is now fraught with new legislation. In particular, with the introduction of Lord Justice Jackson’s reforms last April, the focus has moved to cost, speed and narrowing down evidence to what is strictly relevant. Experts must now look much more carefully at their fees and what they can achieve within stricter timescales.

In addition, when, three years ago, the Supreme Court overturned centuries of established legal wisdom, expert witnesses could no longer enjoy protection from liability for negligence. Experts can now be sued if their work is found to be deficient. So one may well ask—is it still worth it? Is it safer to stick with the day job?

Change for the better?

Some experts admit they are now much more risk averse in the light of

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