Expert Witness and dispute resolution
After being involved in a highly successful expert witness role in a negligence claim against our client, our expert report was used to reach a settlement saving our client in excess of £1,000,000. John Birchall, Partner, provides insight into the range of specialist expert witness services Fenn Wright offer.
One area that Fenn Wright have built up an excellent reputation for is offering accurate advice within the field of expert witness. This can range from dealing with relatively complex disputes to fairly straight forward matters which require expert advice.
Our clients know that our team of Chartered Surveyors are well versed in the relevant procedural rules through significant experience within their respective fields. Our surveyors ensure compliance with the relevant statutes, in particular – RICS Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses 4th edition, Surveyors Acting as Independent Experts in Commercial Property Rent Reviews 9th edition, Part 35 of The Civil Procedure Rules.
Sectors of expertise
We regularly act on a joint expert basis, typically in matrimonial disputes where the parties cannot agree the value of jointly owned assets. This can take the form of a pre-court agreed appointment, prepared in accordance with Part 25 of the Family Procedure Rules.
Fenn Wright provide expert valuation advice on contractual disputes. This often takes the form of option negotiations and subsequent submissions for determination on land value and overage calculations on behalf of landowners and developers. We also provide negotiation and subsequent expert submissions to both independent experts and arbitrators on the matter of rent review or Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 lease renewals.
We also take on more complex and specialist disputes. Our team have previously acted internationally on property issues linked to our Water & Leisure division. We have been involved in matters of valuation in relation to claims of negligence against our clients, using our detailed knowledge to substantiate their position and advise them as to the best way forward, where necessary providing evidence to the court or pre-court.
When engaging Fenn Wright, you will be assured of representation by an individual with the appropriate level of expertise to provide suitable advice. A full expert witness CV is available and transparent fee proposals are made, which typically adopt a fixed fee for initial reports with an agreed time taken fee on the balance of work.