It is central to the role of professionals required to submit reports or attend court as expert witness’ that they give a clear account of their conclusions and reasoning that enables an informed and independent judgment. Learning how to do this in a courtroom setting, where cross examination and scrutiny occurs, is a skill that requires training.

This course will give delegates the skills to understand what is required from reports, how to relay it in the courtroom and how to distinguish between facts, inference and opinion. Preparation of reports will also be reviewed and best practice examples will be given.

Delegates will also gain an understanding of the skills you need to exercise when giving evidence in a courtroom/court setting. This will include the procedures in giving evidence, preparing the evidence and common cross – examination techniques used by lawyers.

Course Content

Report Writing

How to identify the issues and the facts

Appropriate layout, format and style – lead by example

Expressing an opinion on the issues

Pitching the language of the report at the right level

Dealing with exhibits, photos, digital evidence and other graphics

Developing an objective and critical eye in relation to your report writing

Technical report writing essentials

The importance of staying within one's area of expertise

Avoiding damaging or superfluous language

Courtroom Skills

Role play section – see step by step what can happen when being cross examined

How the adversarial system works

The procedures, order of events and roles of those in the adversarial systems

How to prepare for giving evidence

Taking the oath/affirmation with confidence

Techniques lawyers use in cross examination and how to handle them

How to give clear, honest and objective evidence

How to make appropriate use of supporting evidence, documents and notes when giving evidence

How to give confident and clear testimony under cross-examination

Who Should Attend

This one-day workshop will be of real interest to any professional who has been called as an expert witness or expects to be in the future. Some of our previous event delegates on this topic came from sectors including, healthcare, finance, legal, consultancy, construction, engineering, architecture, government bodies, semi-state agencies, local authorities, pharmaceutical and medical device suppliers, universities and barristers.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €465 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €565. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE.

The course cost includes all course documentation and certificates of attendance.