Day in the life of an Expert Witness

Jerry Ponder uses his 40+ years of experience in fitted interiors to provide expert evidence on the design, product quality, installation and project management standards of fitted kitchens, bathrooms, any other fitted furniture projects. One of the only Expert Witnesses in his field, he tells us about how he got into it, his experience in the witness box, and the importance of good training.

Tom Magner provides independent technical assistance as an Expert Witness. Specialising in the forensic investigation of mechanical, electrical, and chemical incidents, Tom has carved out a niche working on holiday and travel claims in civil cases and, on occasion, fatal incidents in foreign criminal courts. He gives us an insight into his varied career; explains why he now speaks native-level Spanish; and shares his tips for going to court.

Efstathios Maliakis is senior electrical engineer with 20 years’ experience, including 10 years supervising the construction of power plants. A full time Expert Witness since 2021, he tells us what led him to the profession, why he feels he’s found his perfect match career-wise, and his advice for aspiring Expert Witnesses.

One of the UK’s leading experts in Japanese knotweed, Dr Paul Beckett has been providing Expert Witness services since the early 2000s. He shares his insights into being part of a relatively new area of litigation; what makes a good Expert Witness; and why he approaches court like revising for an exam.

Rod Appleyard has been practising as an Expert Witness for almost 28 years, specialising in the forensic investigation of fenestration and building envelope defects. He shares what led him to the Expert Witness field; his advice for starting out; and why volunteering in a war zone changed his outlook on work and life.   

EWI Honorary Fellow Tony Saggers has been a drug trafficking Expert Witness since 1995, alongside a career in law enforcement that spanned 30 years. Formerly the National Crime Agency’s Head of Drugs Threat and Intelligence, he now runs a consultancy providing anti-organised crime strategy solutions, child safeguarding from criminal exploitation advice, and Expert Witness training. Here, he provides a glimpse into his long and varied career and explains the importance of impartiality, communication, and evolution in the Expert Witness field.

Desa is a Consultant Clinical Immunologist and Associate Clinical Lecturer at the Institute for Clinical & Translational Research at Newcastle University. She is an Expert Witness in Clinical Immunology and qualified as a Certified Expert Witness this year. Here, she explains why she got into expert work and why she thrives on the challenges it brings.

Norman Lynagh is the founder of Norman Lynagh Weather Consultancy, a leading independent provider of weather services. He had worked as an Expert Witness for 30 years, working on a variety of cases. He told us how he got into expert work, the main challenges he faces, and the changing face of meteorology as an area of expertise.