Day in the life of an Expert Witness

Kathryn Rowe is an Expert Witness and Physiotherapist with over 17 years of clinical experience in neurological, spinal and orthopaedic rehabilitation. She works with adults and young people following traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and complex multi-trauma. Here she tells us about her Expert Witness work, why she still practises as a physiotherapist in the community, and what she wishes she had known when she started out.

Shaun Hesmondhalgh has been an Expert Witness since 2016, specialising in cases involving dog welfare, dangerous dog behaviour, and dog-related human fatalities. He tells us about how he became an Expert Witness, the importance of industry experience over academic qualifications, and why his expertise is more in demand than ever.

Dr Frances Cranfield is a GP, Assistant Coroner, and a founding member of the Expert Witness Institute. With three decades of experience spanning civil and criminal courts, coroners’ inquests, General Medical Council hearings, and major public inquiries, she is one of the most experienced Medical Expert Witnesses in the country. Here, she tells us what drew her to this work, what keeps her in it, and what she thinks the profession needs to face next

We speak to David Deacon, a chartered surveyor who has spent his career in residential property. He founded Housing Disrepair Surveys, leading a team of Expert Witnesses operating nationwide in housing disrepair claims. Here, he tells us how the business came about, why impartiality is everything, and what advice he would give to any surveyor considering Expert Witness work.

We speak to Lynn Hannon, a learning disability and autism specialist nurse who works as an Expert Witness on quantum care assessments, loss of service claims, and Court of Protection cases. Here, she tells us how she found her way into the role, what keeps her motivated, and the advice she would give to anyone considering the same path.

Dr Jane Duff is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Head of the National Spinal Injuries Centre Psychology Service, and an Expert Witness. Here, she tells us what she loves about her work and how her clinical and medicolegal roles come together to complement one another.

Veterinary surgeon, Jeremy Stattersfield, has been guiding courts on veterinary medicine since 1981. He told us how he got into the Expert Witness world; what motivates him; and shares his observations and advice for Experts from all professions.

Mr Niall Craig is a Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon and Expert Witness specialising in complex spinal cases. He tells us about his professional journey and shares his advice for being cross examined, writing Reports, and getting referrals.