An expert witness is someone who has extensive knowledge and experience of the issue in dispute and who is able to provide expert evidence, either in writing or orally, to a court of other tribunal.
The RICS DRS is proud to offer comprehensive expert witness services within the Oceania region.
While it is common for both sides in any construction dispute to utilise their own experts, there has been a recent trend to encourage the use of single joint experts. This allows the parties to limit the costs of expert evidence and therefore keeping the costs of litigation down.
What are the benefits of an RICS-appointed expert witness?
Expertise
Chartered surveyors are highly trained professionals who understand land, property and construction. Many have experience of acting as an expert witness in court.
Trained professionals
The RICS DRS appointed expert witnesses have been specially selected and are obliged to undergo continous training. They must also maintain the highest professional standards.
Range of services
The RICS DRS can offer a whole range of expert witnesses to assist in any dispute relating to land, property or construction.
Bound by an RICS Oceania Practice Statement
Chartered surveyors appointed as expert witnesses must comply with the RICS Oceania Practice Statement and Guidance Notes ‘Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses’.
How are expert witnesses appointed?
The appointment of an expert witness can be either:
- The party requiring the services of an expert can review the detail of the EWRS Panel members, select the expert and contact the expert directly, or
- Application is made to the RICS DRS for the appointment of a suitably qualified expert witness.The RICS DRS reviews the criteria for the expert report, matches the criteria to the EWRS Panel, confirms that no conflict of interest exists, confirms availability of the expert and appoints the expert.
How much does it cost?
Where the party requiring an expert witness selects an expert from the EWRS Panel and contacts the expert directly, RICS DRS does not charge an administration fee and the terms and conditions of appointment are to be agreed between the parties.
Where the party requiring an expert witness applies to the RICS DRS for the appointment of a suitably qualified expert, the RICS DRS charges an administration fee of $250.00 excluding GST for this service which is paid with the application.
Our Experts
Click through to read the biographies of the current RICS DRS Expert Witness Panel.
The Expert Witness Registration Scheme
For more information on becoming a RICS expert witness, please have a read of our Expert Witness Registration Scheme documents.
Expert Witness Training
If you’re interested in receiving the proper training for being an RICS Expert Witness, please get in contact with us. Alternatively, keep an eye on our training schedule for upcoming expert witness training sessions.