The Medico-Legal Leap: How to start your expert witness journey

On 11 November 2025, Stewarts hosted its annual Expert Witness Training Day. As always, the focus of this training session was to invite a diverse range of medico-legal experts, who are new to or considering expert work, to join the team at Stewarts for talks covering topics relevant to not only the preparation of medico-legal reports, but also the practicalities of acting as an expert witness for the court.

Watch the conference highlights video below:

 

Making the leap

An introduction to the role of an expert in civil injury claims. What are lawyers looking for? What will we ask for? What can you expect?

The day opened with Nadia Krueger-Young, Medical Negligence Partner, and Megan Goodyer, Personal Injury Legal Director, outlining the practical foundations of the expert witness role and how this fits into the litigation timeline for injury claims, including the pre-action protocol and court-managed timetable. The talk highlighted the differences between experts being engaged in liability and quantum issues, setting out expectations for each. They emphasised the collaborative nature of medico-legal work and the importance of clarity, structure and impartiality when preparing expert reports to support injury claims.

 

Taking your first steps

From admin and logistics, the shift in mindset and juggling workloads, how two experts managed their transition to expert work.

Next, Mr Jaykar Panchmatia, Consultant Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon, spoke on the significance of an expert witness “feeling at home” in their medico-legal practice and provided a practical guide to building a sustainable and rewarding expert witness career. Drawing on his experience as an NHS consultant and academic, he discussed how experts can balance clinical practice with independent medico-legal work. His session explored five themes: training, business management, professionalism, keeping your clinical edge, and the importance of maintaining a medico-legal community.

Next, Dr Shereen Brifcani, Consultant Neuropsychologist, offered a personal and insightful reflection on how she transitioned into expert witness work. Her presentation focused on identifying transferable skills (“stepping stones”) and the practical tools and resources (“rafts”) needed to move forward. Dr Brifcani covered key considerations such as business setup, capacity management, and the importance of mentorship. She also highlighted the ethical and procedural duties under CPR Part 35, reminding new experts that their overriding duty is always to the court, not the instructing party.

 

Navigating expert meetings

The lawyers’ and experts’ perspective on expert meetings and how to manage these with confidence.

Later that afternoon, Amy Heath, Medical Negligence Partner, and Laura Bochkoltz, Chartered Physiotherapist and experienced expert witness, offered a joint perspective on how medico-legal experts should approach joint expert meetings. Those in attendance were guided through the relevant Practice Direction to CPR 35 and the primary aim of expert meetings, which is to agree and narrow the pool of issues. Drawing on recent case law, they demonstrated what can go wrong when joint expert agendas are poorly drafted, or when experts lose sight of their independent role. Ms Bochkoltz also shared a helpful table illustrating her approach to identifying and organising the differences between her recommendations and those of an opposing expert, as part of her preparation for a recent joint expert meeting. Overall, their takeaway practical advice was to prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, create a collaborative atmosphere and give the joint statement the respect it deserves.

The day rounded off with an engaging Q&A panel hosted by our chairperson Chris Johnston KC and discussion on giving evidence in court before concluding with an informal drinks reception for all those in attendance.

The Medico-Legal Leap was both a practical training day and a celebration of the vital relationship between the legal and medical professions. Thank you to everyone who attended; we look forward to seeing you at our next event and hopefully working together soon.

Professionals interested in medico-legal work can sign up to receive our Expert Witness Newsletter and find further information about upcoming Stewarts events below:

 

 

You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our Personal Injury and Medical Negligence pages.

If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.

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