LEADING JUDGE OPENS PROCEEDINGS AT EWI CONFERENCE

[THE ANNUAL Conference of the Expert Witness Institute (EWI) was once more held online this year, on 12 May. The conference provided essential insight and practical advice to help expert witnesses develop their knowledge and skills.

The event began with a keynote speech from Lady Justice Simler discussing what makes an excellent expert witness and how experts can increase their credibility in the eyes of the court.

Dame Simler emphasised the importance of the expert witness role within the legal profession. “There is strong public interest in the work performed by experts”, she said. “The justice system depends on expert evidence being the highest quality it can be.”

Emma Mitra of the EWI noted: “And, at a time when many disciplines are lacking a wide pool of high-quality experts, Lady Justice Simler praised the training and support on offer by organisations like the Expert Witness Institute as an integral way for professionals to access invaluable guidance, retain experts and raise the profile of the expert witness field.”

Following a number of absorbing debates, the closing address was delivered by EWI chair Sir Martin Spencer.

Reviewing the conference, barristers Phillip Taylor MBE, head of Richmond Green Chambers, and Elizabeth Robson Taylor wrote: “It feels like the online conferences are now here to stay. They do work. We were very fortunate this year to have such a high powered judicial and legal line-up which allowed for contributions from those in busy practices. Although some miss direct face-to-face contact, virtual sessions are here to stay as a consequence of COVID. Thank you to everybody who participated as we realise that our system of justice depends on expert evidence.” q