From clinician to expert witness: a typical path

The path from practising clinician to expert witness is well-worn but not always obvious to those considering it. Most expert witnesses begin their medicolegal career while maintaining some or all of their clinical practice. You may first be approached by a solicitor because of your reputation in your field, or you may actively seek instructions by joining an expert witness database. Either way, the transition requires a shift in mindset and a new set of skills.

The early stages typically involve undertaking one or two reports without formal training—often with the support of a senior colleague or written guidance from the instructing solicitor. This "learning by doing" approach, while common, carries risk; a poorly written first report can damage your reputation and lead to rejection by future instructing parties. A more prudent approach is to seek training before you accept your first instructions. Our Online Courses module covers the fundamentals of report writing, CPR Part 35, the duties owed to the court, and the ethical frameworks that govern expert evidence. Completing this before your first report significantly improves the quality of your work.

As you progress, you may begin to receive regular instructions, potentially from multiple solicitors and on cases of increasing complexity. Many experts find that specialising in particular areas of dispute (e.g., orthopaedic negligence, occupational health matters) allows them to develop deeper expertise and attract higher-value instructions. Our Live Webinars provide opportunities to network with other experts and to hear from barristers and judges about what they expect from expert evidence.

Over time, some experts transition to part-time or full-time medicolegal work. Others balance an active clinical practice with a smaller portfolio of expert instructions. The path is flexible and depends on your career aspirations, your financial position, and your professional interests. What remains constant is the need for ongoing learning and adherence to the professional standards that govern expert witness practice.