Expert Witness News

Research published on 6 June by Cafcass – the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – indicates that the instruction of expert witnesses in cases involving care applications in family courts is decreasing. Experts were instructed in 70% of the cases in a study sample, in contrast to a study concluded in 2009, which found that experts were instructed in 92% of cases.

According to the report, the findings are in line with recommendations in the Family Justice Review, published in 2011, which acknowledged the positive contribution of expert evidence, but identified a “…trend towards an increasing and…unjustified use of expert witness reports, with consequent delay for children”.

While the study found that fewer experts were instructed in the sample cases than had been found in previous research, a survey of Cafcass Children’s Guardians found they felt that those who were instructed were beneficial to cases, rating 88% of expert witnesses as ‘overall beneficial’.

The Ministry of Justice has announced national standards aimed at raising the quality of experts in family courts. The ministry says it is in order to “…get rid of time-consuming evidence which adds little value in helping judges reach a decision”.

It is the latest in a series of reforms which are designed to improve and speed up the family justice system. The MoJ says the standards will mean evidence provided in a family court can only be given by qualified, experienced and recognised professionals.

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has released figures showing that the number of claims for whiplash injuries has fallen to a five-year low. The figures form part of the association’s evidence to a cross-party inquiry into the issue of whiplash claims and was obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request.

Welcoming the inquiry, which follows claims of fraud and excessive claims by the insurance industry and the Government, APIL’s President Matthew Stockwell said: “The Transport Committee inquiry finally presents a real chance to challenge hackneyed and groundless propaganda about whiplash-related injuries which has been promulgated by the insurance industry for far too long.”

National law firm Weightmans LLP has once again been recognised as one of the country’s top employers at the annual Britain’s Top Employers ceremony in London. For the second year running the firm has been certified by the CRF Institute as one of Britain's Top Employers, based upon research into HR practices and employee offerings.

Britain’s Top Employers is a national awards scheme, which recognises excellence in employment practices across a number of different sectors. News of Weightmans’ accreditation comes a week after the firm announced four new apprenticeship positions, including two that will offer an entirely new route into the legal profession.

Organisations were assessed on the following criteria: Primary Benefits, Secondary Benefits & Working Conditions, Training & Development, Career Development, and Company Culture Management. Only those organisations that meet the stringent research criteria received the Top Employers certification.

The firm were awarded good to excellent rankings across all HR criteria, including 4.5/5 stars for Training and Development and the top score of five stars for Culture Management – establishing a strong sense of culture among employees.

Sam Airey, Human Resources Director was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the firm. She said:

"The accreditation process involved a rigorous independent assessment and audit to review our people management policies and covered culture, working conditions, career development and pay and benefits.

"Weightmans scored very highly in all of the categories which were assessed and we are proud to be recognised for the second year as one of Britain’s top employers - we are a people business and our staff are absolutely key to our continued success."

The Britain’s Top Employers Awards were held at the Park Plaza Hotel, London, on the 21st March.