Richard Edwards Chairs Judicial Panel at EWI Conference 2026

On 19th June 2026 Richard Edwards chaired a judicial led panel discussion at the annual conference of the Expert Witness Institute. Entitled ‘Lessons from the courts’ it featured contributions from two High Court judges, Mrs Justice Joanne Smith and Mr Justice Fancourt. Former Chair of the Bar of England and Wales, Samuel Townend KC also contributed.

Expert witnesses were given rare insights into the judicial approach to the assessment of their evidence. In the first section, Mrs Justice Joanne Smith offered pointers to expert witnesses, in how to ensure that their opinions remained within the relevant rules and guidance, thus enhancing their chance of finding favour with the court. This was followed by Mr Justice Fancourt’s assessment of the frequent problems that he encounters with expert witnesses who give evidence in High Court proceedings.

Samuel Townend KC then set out proposed reforms of the rules and guidance that govern the conduct of expert witnesses in England and Wales, noting that this is an area now ripe for further reform.

At last year’s conference Richard participated in the same session, whilst also participating in another session that focussed on the topic of how expert witnesses could maintain credibility and impact when giving evidence.

Richard is a board member of the Expert Witness Institute. He frequently writes and lectures on issues that relate to this field.