The Object of the course is to prepare the delegates to be familiar with the preparation for and presenting Ratings and Valuation cases in Hong Kong in the Lands Tribunal and the High Court as well as giving Expert testimony.

Course Overview

This comprehensive course is designed to equip delegates with in-depth knowledge and skills pertinent to presenting Ratings and Valuation cases in both the Lands Tribunal and the High Court. Delegates will be adeptly trained not only in the preparation but also in providing expert testimony in these tribunals.

The course starts with an exploration of the Role & Responsibilities of the Expert, detailing the definition, qualifications, types, and primary uses of experts. The course emphasizes understanding the legal requirements and guidelines practitioners must adhere to.

A significant portion of the course is committed to the crucial aspect of Conference with Counsel, encompassing objectives, preparation techniques, and the intricacies of effective collaboration with legal counsel. Moreover, The Meeting of Experts segment delves into its objectives, preparation, guidelines, and the importance of memorandums in these meetings.

The section on The Giving of Evidence describes the fundamentals of evidence and offers a thorough breakdown of the Expert’s Report. Participants will learn about the different types of expert reports, their readership, and the essential steps to embark on before initiating the report. This section also highlights potential pitfalls and challenges faced during the preparation process and offers solutions to handle them effectively.

The course provides valuable insights into the structure and presentation of the evidential report. The Aims and Features of the Evidential Report module stresses the significance of brevity, layout considerations, including appendices, typeface, margins, spacing, and pagination, and in particular the requirements of the Rule 20 Report.

Participants will undertake Practical Sessions, where they will gain first-hand advice from experienced lawyers. They will be instructed on all aspects of the process and will learn techniques and strategies for the presenting a Lands Tribunal case and undergoing cross-examination.

In conclusion, this course is a comprehensive guide for those aiming to become proficient in preparing and presenting Ratings and Valuation cases in Hong Kong, ensuring they not only understand their role as an expert but also execute it with precision and professionalism.

Course Structure

• Role & Responsibilities of the Expert
  • What is an expert
  • Qualifications for an Expert
  • Types of Expert
  • Roles of the Expert
  • The uses of the Expert
  • What the Law says
  • Code of Practice for Experts
  • How to identify and deal with Ethical Dilemmas
  • The Expert’s Declaration
• Conference with Counsel
  • Objectives
  • Preparation
  • Working with counsel
• The Meeting of Experts
  • Objectives
  • Preparation
  • Guidelines
  • The memorandum
• The Giving of Evidence
  • An introduction to evidence
• The Expert’s Report
  • Types of Expert Report
    • Who reads them?
  • Before You Start
    • Ensure you know which role
    • Clarifying Instructions
    • The Potential Trap – The ‘Best Way’ example
    • The Relevant Papers – and how to get them
    • The Time Trap – back burner
  • Keeping the Client Happy – and being Professional
    • Preliminary reports – ways to deal
    • How to deal with the downsides
  • The Main Problems
• Aims and Features of the Evidential Report
  • Brevity
  • Layout:
    • Appendices
    • The Expert’s CV
    • Typeface – Body text and headings
    • Margins
    • Spacing
    • Pagination
    • Bindings
  • Rule 20 Report
    • Requirements
    • Using good report writing practices

• Giving Evidence – Practical Sessions
  • General advice from lawyers
  • Preparing for cross-examination
  • Surviving cross-examination