Becoming an Expert Witness in Finance

An expert witness is someone with specialised training and/or experience who is allowed to testify in court to help the judge or jury understand complicated or technical subjects. Expert witnesses should be capable of turning the tables on an opposing lawyer by showing expertise, their command of the facts, and their ability to communicate and defend their opinions.

This course defines what an expert witness is, what their duties are and it helps any professional who wants to be an expert witness to be prepared to testify and defend their report and opinion.

This course allows you to work through activities to get the knowledge and skills that will enable you to improve your skills as an expert witness.

• Understand what is expected from an expert witness
• Prepare to give evidence in court
• Know how they can qualify as an expert witness
• Understand witness liability

Becoming an Expert Witness
• Expert witnesses distinguished from lay witnesses
• What lawyers look for in an expert witness
• Qualifying as an expert witness
• Court-appointed expert witnesses

Preparing to testify as an expert witness
• Independence
• Evidence
• Expert reports
• Working papers

Testifying as an expert witness
• Preparing to testify
• Testifying at trial

Liability of expert witness
• Witness immunity
• Bases for liability

Accounting and finance professionals in practice and in industry who are interested in becoming an expert witness.