KZN EXPERT WITNESS TRAINING SEMINAR on Saturday 6 May 2017

Dear SAMLA members and interested persons:

The first event in SAMLA KZN’s programme for this year is an expert witness training seminar, to be followed by a mock trial on 8 July, and a mock mediation on 9 September.

The half day seminar will commence with an introduction to Court craft, which will take delegates through pleadings, pre-trial procedures for the admission of evidence, with a focus on court appearance and cross examination.

Adv. Ian Dutton will take delegates through the legal theory governing the role of the expert witness, and the duties of expert witnesses.

Adv. Shanna Campbell will deal with how Judges assess expert evidence and how expert witnesses can assist the Judge.

The seminar then moves from theory to practice, with Dr. Charles Nelson, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, teaching expert witnesses how to write a report. He will discuss the content and format of a report in detail and he will give examples of good reports, but also indicate the effect of a bad report, and discuss the difference between medical reports and medico-legal reports.

After tea and snacks, occupational therapist Andiswa Gowa will deal with consulting with opposing experts, and teach expert witnesses how to prepare a joint minute.

Munro Actuaries will give an explanation of the role of an actuary in determining the quantum of a case.

James Bartlett, a trust expert, will deal with personal injury trusts, and how medico-legal practitioners can best ensure that the awards made to Plaintiffs are best preserved.

Leading into lunch, Raymond Meneses and Adv. David Aldworth will discuss the current healthcare crisis in South Africa, explaining the nature of the problem, how it impacts medical practitioners and the public, and opening a discussion on potential solutions to deal with it.

The seminar will conclude with a buffet lunch, and an opportunity for networking and discussion.

Every effort has been made to try and address every aspect of the expert witness experience. We believe that attending this training will be of immense value for the expert witness, and also the lawyers working with these witnesses.

click to view:

Training Invitation 

Training Registration Form

Kind regards

SAMLA KwaZulu-Natal