High Values and Standards

Clients, who may face extended prison terms, or parents who may lose rights and access, or children whose future care is being decided, should be provided with the highest possible standards of legal representation including the preparation of expert reports.

Timely

Reports are usually completed 14-21 days after client assessment. Assessment appointments are usually carried out within 21 days of receiving firm instructions. From time to time, urgent assessments and reports are requested. Reports  can be completed within 2 weeks of firm instructions however unless this is unavoidable I ask clients to allow sufficient time for a fully considered response.

Thorough

Reports are comprehensive and extensive. Appendices are provided so that courts can, for instance, read independently about tests used and see the details of how test scores are arrived at. Opinions in the report will always be substantiated by reference to client data, research and best practice in assessment

Decisive

Courts need clear guidance on matters that must be definitively determined during the court process. In support of this, expert witnesses need to be equally decisive in coming to a considered conclusion about matters which are within their area of competence and my reports  are written with this in mind.  The declaration below makes this clear.

Jurisprudent

Every Report concludes with the following declaration which, though standardised, is neveretheless made afresh in each report.

I understand that my overriding duty is to the court, both in preparing reports and in giving oral evidence. I have complied and will continue to comply with that duty.  I have set out in my report what I understand from those instructing me to be the questions in respect of which my opinions as an expert are required.  I have done my best, in preparing this report, to be accurate and complete. I have mentioned all matters which I regard as relevant to the opinions I have expressed. All of the matters on which I have expressed an opinion lie within my field of expertise.  I have drawn to the attention of the court all matters, of which I am aware, which might adversely affect my opinion.
Wherever I have no personal knowledge, I have indicated the source of factual information.  I have not included anything in this report which has been suggested to me by anyone, including the lawyers instructing me, without forming my own independent view of the matter. Where, in my view, there is a range of reasonable opinion, I have indicated the extent of that range in the report.  At the time of signing the report I consider it to be complete and accurate. I will notify those instructing me if, for any reason, I subsequently consider that the report requires any correction or qualification.  I understand that this report will be the evidence that I will give under oath, subject to any correction or qualification I may make before swearing to its veracity.
I confirm that insofar as the facts stated in my report are within my own knowledge I have made clear which they are and I believe them to be true, and the opinions I have expressed represent my true and complete professional opinion.