An expert witness or professional witness is a witness, who by virtue of education, training, skill, or experience, is believed to have knowledge in a particular subject beyond that of the average person, sufficient that others may officially (and legally) rely upon the witness's specialised (scientific, technical or other) opinion about an evidence or fact issue within the scope of their expertise, referred to as the expert opinion.

Expert witnesses may also deliver expert evidence about facts from the domain of their expertise.

It is our view that expert witnesses should be validated by an appropriate authority so that you can be sure of their capabilities and proficiency.

Our experts are listed in Sweet and Maxwell's Expert Witness Directory.

To achieve listing, experts are required to demonstrate experience and ability in providing expert witness services, normally by providing references from two solicitors or barristers holding practising certificates who have instructed them within the last three years. The reference form asks the referee to rate from very good to very poor several aspects of the expert witness's report: accuracy; understanding and analysis of the expert subject area; presentation; and adherence to timescale. Where the expert has presented evidence in court, referees are asked to rate their understanding of the court's requirements, and the preparation, content and delivery of the expert's evidence.('Court' includes all Civil and Criminal Courts as well as Tribunals, Inquiries, Arbitrations and Civil Courts outside the UK.)

Referees are asked whether they have received any adverse comment from the judge or others which gives them cause to doubt the expert's expertise and whether the referee would use the expert again or recommend the expert to other solicitors.

Where any of the ratings fall below 'good', the references are carefully scrutinised. Other than in very exceptional cases, low ratings lead to the expert's exclusion from the listing of checked experts.