Engineering Expert of the Year You began your career as a plumbing apprentice and are now a chartered engineer and Principal Director—how has that journey shaped your credibility and approach as an expert witness? Building and maintaining my credibility as an expert witness has resulted from a strong foundation in plumbing and mechanical engineering theory, practice, and application. I have committed to ongoing professional development (CPD) and expert witness training while enhancing my communication and leadership skills as a director. Effectively combining these skills has been crucial in providing a reliable expert witness service and has contributed to securing repeat instructions. What are the most common areas of dispute in building services cases, and how do you help legal teams navigate the technical complexities involved? My main concern has been property damage resulting from flooding caused by faulty plumbing and mechanical service installations. This damage may stem from poor installation standards or issues related to the suitability of the installations. In my reports, I always include clear graphical representations and analogies to help legal teams better understand complex theories and problems. 60 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 Leon Gadsdon BEng(Hons) CEng MCIBSE MEWI | Director En Masse Design Ltd. UNITED KINGDOM From apprentice plumber to chartered engineer and expert witness, Leon Gadsdon BEng(Hons) CEng MCIBSE MEWI brings a rare blend of hands-on experience, technical precision, and legal acumen to the world of building services disputes. As Director at En Masse Design Ltd, he remains deeply embedded in the practical challenges of the industry—translating this insight into clear, impartial expert analysis for the courts. In this interview, Leon reflects on the value of clear communication, the rise of AI in engineering litigation, and how Toastmasters training has sharpened his performance under cross-examination. www.enmassedesign.co.uk En Masse Design Ltd Thorncroft Manor, Thorncroft Drive Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8JB +44 (0)1372 224 745 leon@enmassedesign.co.uk
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