The role of the expert witness has long been important in construction litigation and arbitration and most other types of dispute resolution. Today there is a heavier burden on experts because of the diversity of the appropriate dispute process and the added responsibility this brings. The Woolf reforms and the introduction of the Civil Procedure Rules are having a major impact on the role of the expert witnesses. No longer is the expert accountable just to the client but directly owes a duty to the court. In the smaller value claim a new opportunity of acting as single joint expert arises where the parties can save time and money. There is greater flexibility in arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996 and a need for expert evidence in the statutory process of adjudication. This book takes account of all these changes, taking the expert stage by stage through his or her duties, from the investigation, preparation and exchange of expert reports, disclosure of documents, the importance of different types of evidence, to preparation for the hearing itself and the giving of oral evidence. The appendices feature appropriate references to the Civil Procedure Rules, guidelines for experts, protocols and other materials of practical interest. Throughout, reference is made to relevant case law.

The role of the expert witness has long been important in the resolution of construction disputes. The specialist opinion brought by the expert can aid understanding and interpretation of the facts of the dispute, and may be influential in deciding the outcome. The variety of dispute resolution procedures and the requirement for the expert witness to be independent places a heavy burden on the parties to identify and instruct an appropriate expert, and on the expert to ensure they discharge their duty in the correct manner. The Expert Witness in Construction explains, in practical terms, the way in which experts work with particular reference to the construction industry. Within this book the Expert's role is explained in legal and practical terms as a progression from understanding the basic principles by which Experts can be identified, through appointment, to giving evidence before a tribunal. At every stage commentary is given to: help and guide professionals new to the arena of expert evidence; act as a resource for those already acting as Experts; assist party representatives looking for best practice guidance on the instruction of Experts; and provide parties to disputes information on what they should expect from the Expert they appoint to explain the issues in the case. Covering all the implications of identifying, appointing, instructing and relying on experts, it will help the reader to understand why experts are instructed in the way they are, how to identify the expert that is right for a particular case and how evidence should be presented. Written by a practicing lawyer and a consultant with extensive experience of acting as an expert witness, the requirements of both the lawyer and expert are discussed. As such, it will help both parties to understand each other resulting in a closer, more productive working relationship.

This book will help a litigation or arbitration team become more persuasive in telling the story about each construction issue or problem in a way that makes the complex case easier to understand, makes the truth more self-evident, and exposes the fallacies of any attempt to obfuscate the truth.

The Expert in Litigation and Arbitration provides the complete picture of the role and duties of the expert witness in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, USA, Australia, Hong Kong and China. With articles and chapters from leading practitioners around the world, the book looks at the role of the expert in many different disciplines and jurisdictions, examining topical issues such as the independent status of the expert and professional liability. This book looks at the role of experts in both arbitration and litigation, considering how experts are currently used in civil actions and what lessons can be learnt from this. With much practical advice for the inexperienced expert witness, it covers many of the pitfalls faced by experts, looking at the various situations that can arise either in court or before an arbitrator.

'Expert Determination' has been revised and updated, and includes a number of changes such as hanged perceptions of where expert determination fits into ADR, and the continuing battles about challenges to references before decision.

The role of the expert witness has long been important in the resolution of construction disputes. The specialist opinion brought by the expert can aid understanding and interpretation of the facts of the dispute, and may be influential in deciding the outcome. The variety of dispute resolution procedures and the requirement for the expert witness to be independent places a heavy burden on the parties to identify and instruct an appropriate expert, and on the expert to ensure they discharge their duty in the correct manner. The Expert Witness in Construction explains, in practical terms, the way in which experts work with particular reference to the construction industry. Within this book the Expert's role is explained in legal and practical terms as a progression from understanding the basic principles by which Experts can be identified, through appointment, to giving evidence before a tribunal. At every stage commentary is given to: help and guide professionals new to the arena of expert evidence; act as a resource for those already acting as Experts; assist party representatives looking for best practice guidance on the instruction of Experts; and provide parties to disputes information on what they should expect from the Expert they appoint to explain the issues in the case. Covering all the implications of identifying, appointing, instructing and relying on experts, it will help the reader to understand why experts are instructed in the way they are, how to identify the expert that is right for a particular case and how evidence should be presented. Written by a practicing lawyer and a consultant with extensive experience of acting as an expert witness, the requirements of both the lawyer and expert are discussed. As such, it will help both parties to understand each other resulting in a closer, more productive working relationship.

Summary: This book examines how disputes arise in the construction industry and suggests ways of avoiding them by identifying problem areas. It introduces the principal means of dispute resolution, litigation, arbitration, ADR and adjudication - it explains how each operates and considers the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The book is written in a straightforward approach and is clear, concise and practical. It has been prepared by a team of lawyers who work for one of the leading law firms engaged in this area. The book is aimed at all of the professions engaged in the construction industry. Contents: Introduction Dispute avoidance Litigation Arbitration Alternative dispute resolution Adjudication