How We Select and Train Expert Witnesses at Tessa Gough Associates

Becoming an expert witness calls for more than just professional experience – it requires in-depth training, legal understanding and the skills to deliver impartial, evidence-based reports that stand up in court.

At Tessa Gough Associates, we take expert witness selection and training seriously. Every addition to our team must meet the highest standards of knowledge, credibility and professionalism.

How we select expert witnesses

Before joining Tessa Gough Associates, every potential expert witness undergoes a thorough vetting process to assess their suitability. This includes:

• ›Professional registration verification – We check credentials with regulatory bodies (e.g. NMC, HCPC) to be sure of compliance with industry standards.
• ›Work history evaluation – Our recruitment team reviews an applicant’s clinical background, assessing their skills and experience.
• ›First interview – Conducted via Microsoft Teams, the first interview is a chance for us to get to know the candidate, exploring their understanding of the expert witness role, their motivations, and their ability to meet legal and professional expectations.
• ›Suitability assessment – The role of an expert witness isn’t for the fainthearted – it requires confidence, adaptability and the skills to balance legal requirements with professional expertise.

Only those who meet our high standards move forward to training.

What our in-house expert witness training covers

We believe expert witness training should combine legal knowledge with practical experience. Our in-house training program for experts in care and occupational therapy – developed by senior expert witnesses with extensive clinical backgrounds – means every new trainee receives:

Core training (3 days) – A foundational program covering:

• ›Assessment skills
• ›Report writing techniques
• ›Legal expectations for expert witnesses
• ›CPR Part 35 compliance

Simulated casework – Trainees write a care report based on a mock case, taking part in a simulated assessment experience to develop questioning techniques and clinical reasoning.

Mentorship & feedback – New trainees work closely with a senior ‘buddy’, receiving tailored guidance, for as long as they need, to develop their skills.

Real-world exposure – Shadowing opportunities with experienced experts supports a smooth transition from training to live casework.

We maintain ongoing assessments throughout the training process. Only those who match our high standards in professionalism, report writing and the ability to meet deadlines continue their journey with us.

Ongoing expert witness development and career growth

The learning doesn’t stop once an expert witness joins the team. At Tessa Gough Associates, we invest in continuous professional development (CPD) to keep our experts at the forefront of industry standards.

This includes:

• ›Training days – Regular live interactive sessions, giving our expert witnesses a chance to meet in-person, and learn about key legal and medical updates.
• ›Trial preparation – Simulated trial training with retired barristers, as well as opportunities to observe expert witnesses giving evidence as in real trials.
• ›Industry events – Access to conferences, such as The OT Show and NAIDEX.
• ›Dedicated resources – Our expert witnesses benefit from 24/7 access to an online database filled with training materials, cost research and case law updates.
• ›Peer learning – Sharing of experience and resources with colleagues across the handl Group, including those with allied specialties such as case management.

Our goal is to provide expert witnesses with the tools, training and support needed to deliver court-ready reports that are of the highest standard.

Why this matters for clients

Solicitors instructing expert witnesses need confidence in the validity, experience and credibility of their chosen expert.

Our selection and training process means that every expert witness at Tessa Gough Associates:

• ›Has a strong foundation in both clinical practice and expert witness requirements
• ›Understands CPR Part 35 compliance and the legal expectations of expert reporting
• ›Is equipped with the mentorship, training, and ongoing development needed to produce robust, court-ready reports

Becoming an expert witness is a challenging but rewarding journey. At Tessa Gough Associates, we invest in selection, training and development so that every expert witness meets the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and legal compliance.