Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Roger Murray SC, Partner, Head of Medical Negligence, Callan Tansey Solicitors

Report Writing and Surviving Cross-Examination / Admissibility and Reliability of Expert Evidence Across Disciplines

Speaker: Eavanna FitzGerald, Barrister, Founder, and CEO of The Expert Witness Site

• Structuring reports that stand up in court
• Common weaknesses counsel will exploit
• Techniques to handle aggressive cross-examination
• Communicating complex findings in plain language
• What courts demand, regardless of the field
• Key reasons expert evidence gets rejected or criticised
• Handling contested or conflicting expert testimony
• Practical guidance for strengthening your position

Expert Evidence Under the Microscope: Lessons from Recent Cases

Speaker: James Nerney, BL, The Law Library

• Key takeaways from high-profile cases and inquiries (Post Office Horizon, Letby, Bates v Post Office)
• How judicial criticism of expert witnesses’ shapes future practice
• Strengthening reliability and independence in evidence
• Avoiding common pitfalls that undermine credibility

Ethics, Complaints and Fitness to Practise

Speaker: Alana McArdle, BL, The Law Library

• What happens when experts face regulator investigations
• Managing conflicts of interest and client pressures
• Duty to the court vs. duty to the instructing party
• Protecting your professional reputation

The Rise of Technology in Expert Evidence

• Admissibility of AI-assisted analysis and predictive modelling
• Forensic use of digital tools and new reliability challenges
• Risks of over-reliance on automated systems
• Future regulatory trends for tech-based evidence

Navigating Today’s Courts: What Experts Need to Know in Civil, Criminal & Family Cases

• How recent procedural changes reshape your role and responsibilities
• What judges now look for when assessing expert evidence
• The real tests for admissibility — and how to avoid your report being struck out
• Practical takeaways from recent rulings that directly impact expert practice