We are delivering our Witness Familiarisation service virtually or face to face. Our sessions can be tailored to use the same platform as will be used at the hearing, as far as possible. We suggest, where possible, looking to mirror the environment the witness is due to give evidence - so for those giving evidence in person, we recommend face to face training, and vice versa.
For any questions on the service, or if you have an existing booking and would like it to be delivered virtually, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bond Solon provides Witness Familiarisation sessions for both witnesses-of-fact and expert witnesses who are required to give evidence in forthcoming legal hearings. Our courses are designed to mitigate legal risks by ensuring witnesses are aware of the process, procedure and skills required to deliver their evidence effectively.
Tailored to the specific legal hearing that the witnesses will be giving evidence in, the two sessions we provide are as follows:
Session 1 - Witness Familiarisation
The session demystifies the process of giving evidence and explains the techniques cross-examining lawyers use to disconcert and discredit witnesses, including how these may differ when practiced over video link. In the second part of the training witnesses will experience some cross-examination in a mock-hearing. This exercise will enable witnesses to build in confidence and receive feedback and tips on how to give clear and concise evidence in person or via video link.
Session 2 - Follow up Cross-Examination
Designed as a follow on from Witness Familiarisation, this session enables witnesses to undergo in-depth cross-examination experience and gain mastery of delivery of evidence in person or via video link. We strongly recommend this session for key witnesses, those giving evidence for more than one day, those giving evidence via interpreter or generally for any witnesses who you have particular concerns over when it comes to them giving evidence. Witnesses can be videoed and their performance will be analysed.
Sessions can be arranged for just one witness or a group of witnesses who can undertake the training together.
We regularly provide familiarisation sessions for witnesses who are due to give evidence in a wide variety of legal forums including but not limited to: civil courts, international arbitrations, tribunals, inquiries, criminal courts, depositions, expert determinations, select committees, coroners inquests and professional misconduct conduct hearings.
Aside from providing familiarisation sessions for witnesses due to appear in a variety of legal hearings, Bond Solon also offers courses for witnesses in the following areas:
- Statement Writing - This course is designed to provide delegates with the necessary knowledge and skills to write written evidence to best practice standards. Delegates will learn how to improve the structure, content and style of their statements. In addition to developing an objective and critical eye to their written evidence, delegates will also be taught how to insulate their statements against cross-examination.
- Expert Witness Report Writing - This course is designed to provide expert witnesses with the key skills and knowledge to produce court compliant reports, which adopt the style and format expected by lawyers and the courts. In addition to developing an objective and critical eye to their written evidence, delegates will also be taught how to insulate their reports against cross-examination.
- Experts’ Meetings - Delegates will acquire knowledge about the agenda, necessary preparation and legal requirements for an experts’ meeting, to ensure they are able to conduct themselves effectively and to best practice standards. Role-play will highlight the potential pitfalls in experts’ meetings and enable delegates to practice their newly acquired skills in this area.
- Interviewee Preparation – Investigative Interviews - This course is designed for those who are to be the subject of an investigative interview, whether as a witness or a suspect. The session will help them to understand the interviewing process, their rights when being interviewed and the different questioning techniques used during interviews. As such, interviewees will be in a position to answer questions clearly and effectively.
To discuss any of the above courses, please contact the Witness Familiarisation team on 020 7549 2549 or email info@bondsolon.com
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