Job Role: Expert Witness
Appointment type: Freelance/consultancy basis or fixed-term contracted expert.
Remuneration: Fee rates per hour/day for report preparation, review, meeting attendance and court appearance; out-of-hours and travel time reimbursed; expenses for travel and accommodation claimable per policy. Fee for the report will be based on the number of pages in the records that need to be reviewed.
An experienced, credible clinician with experience in their individual specialty providing independent, objective, evidence-based medico-legal opinion in matters relating to tissue viability, wound care and lymphoedema. The post-holder (Expert Witness) will produce expert reports, provide court-ready testimony, advise legal teams, support internal quality assurance and contribute to professional education and service development.
Key responsibilities
- Provide independent expert reports: review clinical records, diagnostic data and other evidence; produce clear, structured, time-stamped expert reports that meet civil and criminal court standards and CPR/tribunal requirements.
- AND / OR Produce accurate chronology in support of an Expert Witness report writer.
- Court and tribunal attendance (if Expert Witness): give oral evidence, withstand cross-examination, and represent opinions professionally and calmly in hearings, mediations and conferences.
- Consultation with instructing parties: liaise with instructing solicitors and counsel to clarify scope, limitations and administrative arrangements while maintaining independence.
- Clinical case review and advice: undertake case triage, highlight gaps in clinical records, advise on factual chronology and potential causation issues.
- Maintain independence and impartiality: declare any conflicts, disclose relevant prior involvement and avoid acting where impartiality could be questioned.
- Quality assurance and governance: participate in peer review of reports, contribute to standard templates, audit report quality and support service governance.
- Education and training: deliver medico-legal teaching, mentor less experienced clinicians in report writing and courtroom skills, and contribute to continuous professional development offerings.
- Record keeping and confidentiality: maintain secure copies of reports, invoices and correspondence in line with data protection and record retention policies.
Essential qualifications and experience
- Registered nurse (NMC) with current registration or other specialists from the multidisciplinary team with proof of ongoing experience and education with several years of post-registration specialist practice.
- Fow wound care Expert Witness, there should be an established clinical background in tissue viability, wound management and/or lymphoedema with several years of post-registration specialist practice.
- Demonstrable medico-legal experience: prior expert witness work or completion of recognised expert witness training (e.g., Bond Solon or equivalent) is preferable but not essential.
- Strong track record of clinical leadership, teaching and audit in tissue viability or related specialties.
- Proven report writing skills with clear, concise, logical presentation and understanding of legal standards for expert evidence.
- Professional indemnity insurance covering medico-legal practice at an appropriate level.
Desirable attributes
- Formal post-registration qualification in tissue viability, wound healing or related field (MSc/MA or equivalent) or in own speciality.
- Experience of giving evidence in court or tribunal settings.
- Publication record or involvement in guideline development.
- Accredited medico-legal membership or registration with professional expert witness bodies.
Core competencies and behaviors
- Analytical rigour: ability to synthesize complex clinical information into reasoned, defensible opinions.
- Clarity of communication: excellent written and oral skills, able to explain technical matters in plain language for legal teams, judges and juries.
- Professionalism under pressure: calm, composed and ethical when challenged in adversarial contexts.
- Attention to detail: meticulous record review, accurate referencing of sources and clear chronology construction.
- Impartiality and integrity: transparent about limitations, uncertainties and alternative explanations.
- Time management and reliability: meet strict deadlines, manage multiple instructions and prioritise urgent work.