Excellent and thorough resource for expert witness work. Insightful and cleverly written by Mark Tottenham. Highly recommend.”

– Justin Masterson, Civil engineer and arbitrator, with international project management experience, on large-scale infrastructure projects, April 2023 – link

This book is a must read.”

– Christophe Champod PhD, Professor of Forensic Science, University of Lausanne.

Comprehensive and concise by Mark Tottenham Absolutely one of the best guides I have read to expert evidence. Crystal clear on the duties of an expert.”

The book applies across the English-speaking / common law world with plenty of examples from England/Wales, Scotland, the USA, Australia and beyond.”

– Danny Young, Detective Inspector, Metropolitan Police, Expert in Firearms Crime, LinkedIn, 20 August 2023. – link

I would thoroughly recommend it to aspiring and experienced Expert Witnesses alike.”

– Mark Finch, Marine Geotechnical Engineer and expert witness. Managing Director of Ternan Energy. Based in Edinburgh, May 2023 – link

It’s rare that when reads a legal book, that one can say that one has been educated, informed, and entertained, but that is exactly what Mark Tottenham BL managed to do with The Reliable Expert Witness published recently by Clarus Press. It was a real pleasure reading it, so much so that I managed to read the entire book in just two easy sittings over a weekend. … 

Chapter 11 on Pleadings, Affidavits and Scott Schedules should be compulsory reading for every trainee, and every practitioner could benefit from reading that chapter as well. … 

Anyone contemplating embarking on a career as an expert witness would do well to read and heed what Mark Tottenham has to say in relation to matters of professional negligence, disciplinary matters, and exposure to costs orders. My recommendation for book of the year is for this book.”

– Bill Holohan, Solicitor, The Law Society Gazette, April 2021.

I found the book excellent and it covered all the areas in great detail with footnotes, cases etc. … It is going to be my handbook at my desk so if any issue arises I will refer to it. In my view is it Compulsory Reading for any Forensic Engineer practicing in our area (and many others).

– Paul Romeril, Consulting Engineer.

It was pure enjoyment to read this book. It was informative, cleverly written and funny in some parts. It covers a broad range of principles that should be written by all professionals involved in expert witness reporting. It does not happen very often that I look desperately for a highlighter when reading a book, but this time was different; almost every page contained something I wanted to memorise. Thumbs up to the author.”

– Amazon review. 

I’ve just finished The Reliable Expert Witness by Mark Tottenham. Although it is intended for experts, I’m sure it would be of great use to those who instruct experts too.

My heaviest pencil lines were alongside:

– Expert witnesses being sent 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 for perjury described as occurring “on an industrial scale,” and their “active participation in the fabrication of evidence” in Accident Exchange Ltd v. Broom [2017] EWHC 1096!

– The idea of identifying the “most inconvenient fact” as a way to pressure test your conclusions.

– Identifying further work or information that would lead to a more conclusive answer.

The cheapest technical book I’ve seen for a long time, a bargain at [AUS]$45, and highly recommended.”

– Geoff Green, Banking Expert Witness, Australia, July 2023

This is an informative read for anyone on the road to being accepted as an Expert Witness for judicial proceedings, or indeed for anyone who finds themselves in that position through their professional qualifications and experience. It clearly sets out what’s involved in being an Expert Witness, the duty and responsibilities of the expert to the Court, and warns of the many pitfalls to be aware of, from the initial instructions by your legal team, to preparing the Expert Court Report, to giving Expert evidence at any subsequent Judicial hearing.”

– Amazon review, December 2021

All experts whether new to the industry or with over 40 years experience should consider this book essential. … It is a book that will educate and be used as a reference point for many years.” 

– The Expert Witness Journal

A recent book, The Reliable Expert Witness, by Mark Tottenham BL published by Clarus Press is an impressive and wide ranging review of all aspects that impinge on the daily life of the expert witness. I would recommend that consulting forensic engineers and indeed all engineers, some of whom in their careers will have to attend court to give evidence on behalf of their employer, to read carefully and take on board the information in this book. It is easy to read as it is not laden down with legal jargon. Every engineer should have a copy of this book in their toolbox and adhere carefully to the principles set out therein.”

– Stephen Mooney, Chartered Engineer

Mark Tottenham BL has written a welcome and excellent guide to the duties and responsibilities of an expert witness. This book is a manual and primer for beginners or those who go to Court only occasionally. It is also a very useful revision text for all professions whether, Engineers, Doctors, Accountants, or other experts. The author employs legal opinion, succinct explanation, and several examples to illustrate each point. The book deals with both criminal and civil litigation using the evidence of medical, engineering, architectural, and other professions. The author makes many useful suggestions on accepting instructions, investigating, researching, and preparing expert reports. There is guidance on dealing with legal teams, other experts, and the relevant correspondence. The advice on the presentation of oral evidence will be particularly useful to those who do not frequent the Court regularly. Every section of this book is accessible for quick and useful pointers on what to do and more importantly when to take care. I heartily recommend this well written and common- sense book to all professional experts.”

– Edward Flahavan President of the Association of Consulting Engineers

I’ve bought it for two experts I regularly instruct and they are delighted with it. A great reference. Highly recommend it!” 

– Cormac O’Regan, solicitor, at LRAP O’Meara LLP, LinkedIn, 19 August 2023 – link

I have found this book invaluable to understand the important and key expectations around expert evidence and also report writing.”

– Finola Colgan Carey, Development Officer Mental Health Ireland & Law Lecture TUS

It’s an excellent publication, and one that sits permanently on the corner of my desk. I refer to it frequently.”

– Sean Finnegan, Chartered Insurance Broker, principal of Sean Finnegan Associates (Expert Witness) Ltd, LinkedIn, 23 Aug 23. 

Mark’s book is very good and always useful even if one is already an experienced expert.”

– Conor Kelly, Architect, Chartered Arbitrator, Adjudicator, Galway.

[O]ne of the best books on the topic.”

– Timothy Twomey, Forensic Accountant, An Garda Siochana. link

[S]uperb value.”

– David Byrnes BL, employment barrister. – link