An agreed hourly rate which may be invoiced and charged in stages at the completion of each or any agreed phase of the case as it progresses.
If required, a fee note of hours completed will accompany the invoice as evidence of my time spent on the case.
After an initial discussion in person or by conference call about the case and your requirements, a fixed fee is agreed to cover:
- Review of the RECORD and your list of documents, video, audio transcripts, etc.
- Review of my list of documents absent from the above which I feel are relevant to your case. (I have a comprehensive list of documents which I consider as a minimum)
- Meetings with counsel and/or solicitor.
- Compiling a court compliant report of my professional opinion of your case against the relevant legislation, best industry practice and the relevant guidance documents.
A further fee is agreed for vessel or site visits, attending, and taking part in any reconstructions, FAIs, etc.
Note: Different rates and conditions may apply if I am appointed by a consultancy firm.
All fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
Court appearance will always be charged at a fixed rate per day.
A court appearance cancellation fee may apply.
Expenses are accepted as being reasonable to be claimed back, i.e. travel to attend meetings and court, accommodation if required, refreshments and victualing, etc. Receipts will be supplied. All incurred expenses will be charged back at cost + 10%.
Details of all fees, terms and conditions of engagement are fully laid out in my Expert Witness Terms of Engagement Agreement.
In legal aided cases, (where my fee constitutes a disbursement) I expect you to obtain prior approval of the expert witness charges as laid out in these ToE and to make prompt claim to the Legal Services Commission or any Legal Aid Board.