Making the Most of Expert Evidence (CPD 1.5 hrs)

The topic of this webinar, which is suitable for both criminal and civil lawyers, is how to make the most of expert evidence: from choice of expert through to preparing evidence, using another party’s expert, raising objections to admissibility and cross-examination. It is presented by John Katz QC, and Sarah Wroe (Chair).

The topics to be discussed include:

• Drafting an expert’s brief of evidence – the role of counsel;
• Due diligence – knowing all you need to know about your expert and your opponent’s expert;
• Property in a witness – approaching an opponent’s expert;
• Admissibility objections – independence, bias, Rule 9.11; and
• Cross-examination of an expert – the obligation to put the case to the expert, s 92 Evidence Act 2006.

Our presenters

John Katz QC, Bankside Chambers

John has been in practice for 40 years and brings a national and international reputation to his work as a commercial litigator. Formerly a partner at Simpson Grierson, John began practice as a barrister sole specialising in intellectual property litigation in 1991. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1998.

John’s current areas of specialisation include intellectual property litigation, general commercial litigation, pre-emptive rewards including search and freezing orders.  He also has a substantial practice in professional disciplinary matters with an emphasis on lawyers’ disciplinary proceedings.

John is also the author of Expert Evidence in Civil Proceedings (Thomson Reuters, 2018), a text which has been described as giving "valuable guidance on the way in which counsel should consider the nature, importance and purpose of proposed expert evidence." (Hon. Paul Heath QC)

Sarah Wroe, Eldon Chambers (Chair)

Sarah Wroe has over 17 years’ international experience as a trial advocate and a negotiator. She studied law at the University of Cambridge and graduated as a Bachelor Scholar having been awarded a First in her final year. She began her legal career as a barrister in England, winning a scholarship from Gray’s Inn, London.  During her seven years of practice in England, she appeared at every tier of the judicial system up to the Court of Appeal, specialist tribunals and Coroner’s Court.  

On emigrating to New Zealand she used her expertise in negligence law to represent owners of leaky buildings as a lay advocate before being admitted as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand in 2011.  Her practice now includes property and construction disputes, insurance and general commercial litigation including liquidations and contractual disputes.  

Sarah is also a member of the NZBA Training Committee.