Frequently Asked Questions
Practical guidance for solicitors instructing accounting experts in UK litigation and arbitration.
When should a solicitor instruct an accounting expert witness?
Instruct an accounting expert when a UK dispute turns on financial facts requiring independent analysis, disputed accounts, quantification of loss, business valuation, fraud tracing, or the interpretation of accounting standards. Early instruction often helps frame pleadings, disclosure, and settlement discussions.
What should we include in an initial instruction brief?
Provide the UK court or tribunal (England & Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland), key dates (trial, disclosure, report deadline), parties, nature of claim, relevant financial records available, opposing expert reports if any, and the specific questions you need answered. Our engagement form is structured to capture this efficiently.
How do you ensure expert independence?
Experts are engaged to provide independent opinion to the court or tribunal, not to advocate for the instructing party. Conflicts are assessed at intake. Experts do not have a financial stake in the outcome of proceedings and report their opinion irrespective of which party instructed them.
Are expert reports prepared to UK court rules?
Yes. Reports are drafted to comply with the expert evidence rules of the relevant UK jurisdiction, including CPR Part 35 (England & Wales), the Court of Session practice note requirements in Scotland, and the equivalent rules in Northern Ireland. Requirements for single joint experts and concurrent evidence are addressed at scoping.
Can you act in UK-seated arbitration?
Yes. Our experts are experienced in UK-seated arbitration, including LCIA proceedings and ad hoc arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996, with reports and oral evidence adapted to the institutional rules and the seat of arbitration.
What is the typical turnaround for an expert report?
Timelines depend on complexity, data availability, and court deadlines. At instruction we confirm scope, fee estimate, and delivery date. Urgent engagements can be accommodated where diary and resourcing permit, include your deadline when submitting a brief.
Do you review opposing expert reports?
Yes, through our litigation support service. We can provide critical analysis of opposing expert methodology, assumptions, and conclusions, and prepare rebuttal reports where required.
Is our enquiry confidential?
All preliminary enquiries are treated in strict confidence. Submitting an enquiry or brief does not create a client relationship. A formal engagement letter and, where required, a confidentiality agreement are put in place before substantive work begins.