43 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 maintain the same standard of professionalism and objectivity, regardless of whether a case involves a minor issue or a highstakes dispute. Cross-examination can be demanding, especially when presenting technical evidence to nonexperts in court. How do you simplify complex fire safety concepts for legal professionals and judges? I am well-educated and experienced in explaining complex topics in a clear and understandable way. I am the lead fire safety engineer and managing director at CJK Fire & Safety so I am confident in my technical knowledge and currency in the industry. As a guest lecturer at various universities and a speaker at conferences, seminars, and training sessions, I regularly simplify technical concepts for diverse audiences. This experience translates directly to my role in Court, where I ensure that technical evidence is presented in a way that is easily understood. Fire safety litigation often involves multiple stakeholders— developers, certifiers, engineers, and insurers—each with their own perspectives. How do you navigate conflicting technical opinions in court proceedings, and what personal qualities help you achieve a fair and effective outcome? Navigating stakeholders involves discussions during conclaves and mediations, which can range from two to ten experts, depending on the complexity of the matter. This requires strong people management and conflict resolution skills. My experience as a team leader and now as a business owner has helped me adapt to different personalities in these settings. Additionally, as an accredited mediator, I find these skills invaluable in managing conflicts effectively. Approaching conclaves and mediations in good faith, while emphasising our shared goal of ensuring building occupant safety, helps set the right expectations and fosters productive discussions. What advice would you give legal professionals working on fire safety-related litigation to ensure they maximise the value of expert witness testimony? My main advice is to consult a fire safety expert early in the case, especially if they have not dealt with fire safety matters before. There is a lot of technical jargon that may be crucial for drafting statements of claim (SOC). Early consultation helps prevent errors in the SOC, avoiding the need for corrections or potential embarrassment as the matter progresses. Another key aspect is effective briefing. We provide educational content on our website to assist with this. Supplying correct and relevant documents in a suitable format and filing system ensures expert consultations are efficient and productive. In my experience, holding preliminary conferences before sending briefing questions is highly beneficial, as it reduces the need to revise questions and helps achieve the desired outcomes. “An expert witness should maintain the same standard of professionalism and objectivity, whether a case involves a minor defect or a $750 million dispute.” CJK Fire & Safety Tel: +61 4 81 402 220 Email: admin@cjkfireandsafety.com.au https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au
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