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Becoming an expert witness is an increasingly attractive option for many healthcare professionals, particularly those with specialist knowledge in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or psychiatry. It offers a way to apply clinical expertise in a new setting, influence the outcome of legal cases, and provide clarity on complex issues. But with this opportunity comes a pressing...

The relationship between an expert witness and their instructing solicitor is a vital part of the medico-legal process. It’s a professional partnership that relies on mutual respect, clarity of communication, and—importantly—a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities. At its best, this relationship allows complex issues to be clearly explained, fairly examined, and justly resolved. But...

In medico-legal practice, assessing an individual’s capacity to litigate is a critical step when questions arise about their ability to understand and engage in legal proceedings. This is especially relevant in cases involving acquired brain injury, cognitive impairment, mental illness, or developmental disorders. While the assessment is typically carried out by a clinician—such as a...

In complex medico-legal cases—such as those involving acquired brain injury, neurological disorders, or long-term disability—it is often necessary to obtain expert opinions from multiple healthcare disciplines. Whether solicitors choose to instruct each expert separately or as a jointly instructed multidisciplinary team (MDT), both approaches offer distinct advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding how to instruct an...

In complex cases involving neurological, cognitive, or developmental concerns, clinical and educational psychologists can play a vital role as neuropsychological experts. Their assessments and insights can help clarify cognitive functioning, emotional wellbeing, and learning needs, providing crucial evidence for medical, educational, or legal decision-making. But knowing when to involve these professionals can be challenging. In...