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28 October 2022
Issue: 8000 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Expert Witness
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NLJ this week: Choose your expert & no improper influence

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In an expert witness double-bill this week in NLJ, Mark Solon, founder of Bond Solon, warns of the perils of improper influence, recounting some cautionary tales in the form of recent caselaw.

There are professional risks for experts should they ignore the rules (and the client’s case may also be jeopardised), so why do people continue to do it? As Solon points out, experts ‘risk their reputation and credibility’ and may find themselves named in the judgment!

Solon writes: ‘It sounds basic, but the duty of the expert is to the court and not the paying party. The opinion must not be influenced by the lawyers and be seen not to be influenced.’

Forensic accountant Rakesh Kapila considers the issues at stake when deciding whether or not to hire a forensic accountant, and who to choose. He sets out examples of where they would be required and offers nuggets of advice on what to look for when considering the best expert for the job.

Kapila reminds NLJ readers: ‘The choice of a forensic accountant may make a significant difference to the outcome of a case and it is therefore important that a specialist with the right attributes and level of expertise is selected.’

See Mark Solon's article on improper influence here, and Rakesh Kapila on forensic accountants here.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

20 promotions mark major people investment at national law firm, Anthony Collins

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley adds competition litigator Elaine Whiteford in London

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes Claudina D’Costa as Director of Client Development Marketing

NEWS
The 25th Pro Bono Week begins today until 6 November, with events hosted by law firms, chambers, law schools and charities across the UK
Pro bono is celebrating a silver anniversary, with initiatives putting businesses and students at the heart of access to justice
Choosing the wrong expert can cost a clinical negligence claimant more than their case
Judges risk weakening their own independence by staying silent over government reforms, a leading public lawyer argues
A discount on damages does not automatically mean an equivalent haircut for legal costs in military deafness claims
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