In resolving construction or engineering disputes which usually involve complicated technical issues, the general practice is that the court or arbitral tribunal and/or parties involved in the dispute, may seek assistance from construction professionals to identify, understand such technical issues and even adjudicate such technical disputes.
 
To cope with the increasing use of Expert Witnesses in construction dispute cases, HKICM has set up an Ad Hoc Committee on Expert Witness in late 2012 to advise the Council in setting up a List of Expert Witnesses to provide expert witness services to our members and the public.
  

To promote HKICM members for providing services as an expert, the Institute is in the process of empanelling a List of Expert Witnesses (the “List”).  The motto of the List is to represent the common interests and to enhance the reputation and/or standard of HKICM members who want to practice as an expert.
  

With the objectives to equip members the knowledge and skills in handling these construction dispute issues with a view to resolving them in the first instance; and to provide a career development for members who may be interested to become an Expert Witness, the Institute has organized a 10-hour Expert Witness Training Course (the “Course”) in mid-2013 for HKICM members who would like to take the course and become expert witnesses upon fulfilling the conditions listed below.

The 10-hour Expert Witness Training Course (including a total of five 2-hour sessions)

Session 1 -  “Introduction to Expert Witness”
(Speaker & Course Leader: Mr. King WONG, Barrister - Academy Chambers)

>	Role & Responsibilities of the Expert
>	Who and what is an Expert
>	The role and duties of the Expert
>	Code of Practice for Experts

 
Session 2 -  “The Expert’s Report”
(Mr. Damon SO, Solicitor - Construction Partner of Hogan Lovell)

>	What the Expert needs to know and do prior to writing the Report
>	What Counsel expects from the Expert’s Report
>	What your instructing solicitor fears about Expert’s Reports
>	Errors and traps in the use of plain English
>	Evaluating Experts’ Reports

Session 3 -  “Pre- Trial Preparation”
(Mr. Richard LEUNG, Barrister of Des Voeux Chambers)

>	How to introduce yourself and your expertise
>	Early evaluation and pre-trial advice
>	WP Negotiation
>	Exchange and joint preparation of Expert Report

 
Session 4 -  “Expert’s Court Practice”
(Speaker: Mr. Kenneth WONG, Barrister of Academy Chambers)

>	How to elaborate your case in Examination in Chief
>	How to survive cross-examination
>	Attendance of Court Hearing
>	Roles, duties and conflicts
>	How to make the best of any situation

 
Session 5 -  “Practice of Expert Witness”
(Speaker: Mr. Stephen YIP, Solicitor, Construction Partner of Minter Ellison)

>	Engagement of Experts - procedures and problems
>	Terms of Engagement
>	Instructions from solicitors
>	HKICM List of Experts
>	Sharing sessions and feedback

 

Qualifications for Inclusion on HKICM List of Expert Witnesses

 To be included on the List, applicants are required to have: -

(1)	7 years of professional experience after qualified as a Corporate Member of the Institute or 10 years of adequate professional experience, out of which 3 years post qualification experience as a corporate member of the Institute;
(2)	Satisfactorily completed all five sessions with full attendance; and
(3)	Satisfactorily passed in a peer interview in the special areas of expertise claimed by the applicant.

 
For enquires over the application for inclusion in the HKICM List of Expert Witnesses, please feel free to call on the Secretariat on (852) 2523 2081 or send emails to info@hkicm.org.hk.
 
   Flyer of Expert Witness Training Course
 
 

 

Remarks: The title "Cr" is an abbreviation of and pronounced as 'Construction Manager'.