Working as a Single Joint Expert

Working as a Single Joint Expert

Introduction

An appointment as a single joint expert (SJE) is becoming increasingly common, SJE's are being appointed across a range of disciplines from fast track to commercial court cases, in an effort to cut the costs of litigation and increase efficiencies.

SJE's were first introduced in the Civil Procedure Rules, Part 35.7 and the associated Practice Directions. An SJE expert needs to be aware of the duties and responsibilities to both parties and to the court before being appointed.

This essential update will provide a guide to successfully dealing with all the difficulties that can arise from an SJE appointment.

Speakers:

Jon Miller

Jon Miller, LLB(Hons), MSc (Construction Law & Arbitration), Registered Adjudicator, Companion of CIBSE, FCIArb, ACMI, QDR, is a Partner at Prettys Solicitors. Jon is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the Technology and Construction Court Solicitors Association (TeCSA), AICA, RIBA, CIC and CI Arb accredited adjudicator. His areas of work include disputes involving roads, harbours, housing schemes and office buildings.

Course Objectives:

• Single joint experts CPR rules and protocols:
  • How SJE are appointed
  • Positives and negatives of working as an SJE
  • Terms of business and fees
  • Seeking directions from the court CPR 35.14
  • Conflicts of interest how they arise.
• Preparing the report:
  • Letter of instruction joint retainer
  • Form and content of the report
  • Responding to questions from both sides
  • Arrangements for attendance
  • Copies of documents how to resolve difficulties
  • Proportionality and timescales
  • Conference and or meetings
  • Service of the report
  • Amendments and supplementary reports.
• Discussion problem areas.
• The report is unfavourable to one party.
• Attendance at court and cross examination.