Expert Witness

The primary role of an Expert Witness is to assist in the resolution of a dispute by providing an independent expert opinion based on the information available. The services of an Expert Witness may be required in adjudications, arbitral proceedings, tribunals and litigation.

The Expert has an overriding duty to the Court or tribunal and may be appointed as a Party Appointed Expert (where instruction comes from one party in a dispute), a Single Joint Expert (where instruction comes from multiple parties to a dispute) or what is commonly referred to as a ‘Shadow Expert’ or ‘Expert Advisor’ (an appointment made by one party but where the Expert Witness has no duty to the Court and will not normally give evidence in tribunal or litigation).

Experts Witness evidence is governed by Part 35 of the Civil Procedural Rules and the roles of experts has been discussed extensively in recent case law.

As Chartered Surveyors, Belasco Associates fully complies with the guidance set by the RICS – Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses, 4th Edition.

Valuable guidance is provided by the Academy of Experts, including a discussion on the contents of an Expert Report. Read more here.

See below for an overview of our services.