Frequently Asked Questions

Simply email or call us with a brief summary of the case, the type of expert required, and the funding status (e.g., LAA or Private). Our team will send you suitable expert CVs, along with a clear breakdown of costs and timescales, usually within 2 hours. There is no charge for this nomination service.

To facilitate an efficient instruction, please provide a formal Letter of Instruction containing:

• Case Context: The type of proceedings and specific legal issues to be addressed.
• Parties: Client details, DOB, and location.
• Funding: Confirmation of funding (e.g., LAA Prior Authority granted).
• Medical Records: Relevant records should be sent securely (preferably digital).
• Deadlines: Court filing dates and hearing windows.

We adhere to strict data protection protocols (GDPR). Documentation should be provided via secure, encrypted email or a password-protected file transfer link (e.g., Egress). We request that bundles be paginated and in PDF format to ensure ease of reference for the expert.

Yes. For complex clinical negligence or personal injury matters, we can arrange a preliminary screening report. This is a cost-effective, concise review of the medical records to advise on the merits of the case and whether a full CPR Part 35 compliant report is proportionate.

We match based on your case summary, questions and vulnerabilities — sharing the expert’s CV, relevant experience (e.g. forensic criminal vs family safeguarding), and availability. Multiple options are available on request so you can choose with confidence.

We immediately propose an alternative of equivalent expertise and availability, with minimal disruption to your timetable and no unnecessary admin burden.

While timelines vary by discipline, we generally offer appointments within 2–4 weeks of instruction. Following assessment, reports are typically released within 10–15 working days, contingent upon the timely provision of records. For urgent matters, we can often expedite this—please consult our case management team.

We routinely manage instructions with compressed timetables, including imminent limitation periods or custody time limits. We identify experts with immediate capacity and will decline instructions if we cannot realistically meet the court timetable.

Yes, where clinically appropriate and permitted by the court. Remote video assessments are widely accepted for psychiatric and psychological reports in civil and family proceedings. For certain matters, an in-person consultation remains the clinical gold standard.

Usually same working day (often within 2–4 hours). A detailed quote and nomination is typically provided within 24–48 hours; urgent matters can be prioritised same-day.

Yes — where urgency is critical, we can explore short-notice appointments (subject to discipline and geography). Please highlight court dates and deadlines at enquiry so we can triage appropriately.

Yes, we have extensive experience working within LAA codified rates and caps. Our experts provide detailed breakdowns for prior authority applications and we support solicitors with the necessary administrative documentation.

Missed appointments incur costs for experts and wasted clinic time. Cancellations made with less than 2–3 working days’ notice (depending on the expert’s terms) or non-attendance may incur a DNA fee, often up to the full assessment cost. We recommend advising clients early.

We provide a transparent, itemised quotation prior to engagement. Fees are typically structured as: (1) hourly rates for record review, assessment and drafting; or (2) fixed fees for defined report types. There are no hidden administrative charges.

Yes — for frequent instructions we can discuss preferential rates, priority slots and a dedicated case handler. This is arranged transparently and tailored to your expected volumes and disciplines.

No. Experts’ overriding duty is to the court or tribunal. Independence is non-negotiable and we actively manage conflicts and appointment suitability to preserve credibility.

We cover a wide spectrum including:

• Criminal — fitness to plead/stand trial, mental state, disposal, risk assessment
• Family — parental capacity, safeguarding, mental health & substance issues
• Immigration/asylum — vulnerability, PTSD, torture sequelae
• Parole Board, prison law, licence recall
• Civil — personal injury, clinical negligence, employment stress claims
• Court of Protection — capacity and best interests

Yes — we receive instructions from all sides. Experts’ overriding duty is to the court/tribunal and impartiality is absolute.

Yes — we work with a broad multi-disciplinary panel including psychologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists, pain specialists and other medical experts as required. We can coordinate multi-disciplinary instructions to reduce duplication and improve clarity.

Yes — we can nominate clinicians with relevant experience in ADHD/ASD and complex presentations, across criminal, family, immigration and capacity-related instructions where appropriate.

Yes — we can support SJE instructions (where ordered/agreed), including nomination, scope alignment, and coordination of key procedural steps.

Absolutely. Reports are drafted in accordance with CPR Part 35, CrimPR Part 19, or FPR Part 25 as applicable. They include mandatory declarations, statements of truth, and clear disclosures regarding the expert’s duty to the court.

If you require factual amendments or clarification upon receipt of the draft report, please submit these in writing to our case management team. We liaise with the expert to address them promptly. Minor factual corrections are typically handled within 3–5 working days.

Yes. We support responses to Part 35 questions and the drafting of joint statements following experts’ meetings. We keep the expert focused on material issues and their overriding duty to the court.

Yes — in-person or remotely (where permitted). Court attendance, experts’ meetings and conferences with counsel can be arranged, with availability and fees confirmed upfront where possible.

Where additional documents, clarifications or formal questions arise, we can coordinate addenda or supplementary reporting with realistic timescales and transparent fees, aligned to the relevant procedural rules.

Our experts are experienced in court work and remote evidence where allowed. We prioritise clarity, structure and defensibility in reporting to ensure the evidence withstands challenge.

We have a nationwide network of consulting rooms. We aim to identify an expert within reasonable travelling distance of your client. For clients in custody, immigration detention, or hospitals, experts can attend the relevant facility.

Yes. We can arrange interpreters or intermediaries where required and coordinate reasonable adjustments to ensure assessments are conducted appropriately and sensitively.

We conduct conflict checks upon receipt of every instruction, including prior treatment or reporting involvement and any professional connections, and we notify you immediately if any issue arises.

We can arrange professional interpreters and, where appropriate, nominate experts experienced in working with diverse cultural contexts and complex vulnerability presentations.

Standard cancellation terms apply depending on the expert’s policy and notice given. We help minimise DNAs through clear appointment communication and practical coordination with your team.