What is a Single Joint Expert?

A single joint expert (SJE) is an expert witness acting on behalf of all of the parties involved in a dispute (or in the case of criminal proceedings, acting on behalf of more than one of the Co-Defendants). The concept of the single joint expert was introduced at the same time as the Civil Procedure rules in 1999, with the aim of streamlining the process of obtaining expert evidence and reducing the costs incurred.

Parties are strongly encouraged (and in some types of dispute, mandated) to consider the use of SJEs in the interests of efficiency and costs. This resource guide is intended to be used both by experts accepting instructions as an SJE for the first time but also provides practical tips and solutions and a summary of key judgments and recent Court decisions which are relevant to all expert witnesses accepting instructions to act as an SJE.

Login or Register to view this content