WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

The Evolving Role of Expert Witnesses in Digital Construction and BIM Environments

Preventing Cost Overruns Through Early Forensic Risk Assessment

The Intersection of Engineering and Law: How Technical Evidence Shapes Construction Arbitration

Navigating Delay and Disruption Claims in Global Construction Projects

The Future of Forensic Consulting in Renewable Energy Projects

Understanding Quantum Analysis: Valuing the True Impact of Construction Delays

Understanding Quantum Analysis: Valuing the True Impact of Construction Delays

The Crucial Role of Forensic Engineering in Preventing Construction Disputes

by Stathis Maliakis

DAC Consulting Services to Host High-Level Panel During Dubai Arbitration Week 2025

by Reinaldo Scannone

WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Global Arbitration Hubs: Where Technical Experts Are Most Needed Now

DAC Consulting Services Expands London Presence with New Central Office

Celebrating 9 Years of DAC Consulting Services: Global Growth, Technical Impact & What’s Next

WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Understanding the Role of Delay and Quantum Analysis Experts in Complex Construction Disputes

How an Expert Forensic Engineer Supports Successful Court Outcomes in Construction Cases

Expert Witness Services for Construction Claims: Resolving Complex Disputes with Precision

Company Announcement: Welcoming Nick Smith to DAC as a Forensic Engineer

Mexico Arbitration Week

International Law Summits Spotlights DAC Consulting Services' Expertise in Construction and Engineering Disputes

What Is Green Methanol?

WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Join DAC Consulting Services MD Daniel A. Correa at Global Arbitration Review #GARLive #Damages in London on 30 January 2025!

The Importance of Engaging Technical Experts Early in Construction Arbitration

WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Come work with Us! 

DAC is thrilled to have formally opened its legal entity in Mexico

Forensic Delay and Quantum Analysis: A Guide to Resolving Construction Project Disputes

The Transformative Role of BIM in Forensic Delay Analysis for Complex Projects

Navigating Geotechnical Challenges in Construction Projects: The Role of DAC Consulting Services

WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Company Announcement: Welcoming Matt Borrelli as a part time Director of Business Development.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

We are thrilled to celebrate the 8th anniversary of our company, a milestone that marks nearly a decade of learning, growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Over these eight years, we have faced numerous challenges that have only strengthened our resolve and capability, shaping us into the dynamic and resilient organization we are today.

WORLD CLASS FORENSIC & TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS

Welcoming Federica Pocaterra: Our Newest Intern

LNG Construction Projects: Navigating Risks to Avoid Delays and Disputes

Efstathios Maliakis is senior electrical engineer with 20 years’ experience, including 10 years supervising the construction of power plants.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Panayiotis Pantaridis to our Core Team! Panayiotis joins us as a Senior Project & Construction Management Expert and will be supporting both our London and Dubai offices.

In the intricate and highly specialized realm of engineering and construction, disputes and claims are not just common—they are expected.

In the intricate and highly specialized realm of engineering and construction, disputes and claims are not just common—they are expected.

DAC Consulting Services is proud to have attended and sponsored this impressive event, which confirms our investment in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Reflections on the SCCA24 Conference: Shaping the Future of Arbitration in Riyadh

Merry Xmas to everyone! May this season fill you all with hope, happiness,  kindness, wisdom, and faith.

Newsletter Contents: Istanbul Arbitration Week 2023 Dubai Arbitration Week 2023 21st ICC Miami Conference on International Arbitration Onshore Energy Conference Institute Sir Michael Davies Lecture

Over the past year, expert witnesses have appeared in the legal press following criticism in the courts. So for this year’s Sir Michael Davies lecture, we invited The Honourable Mr Justice Williams, High Court judge and chair of The Family Justice Council Subcommittee on Experts, to share his views on such criticism. In his enlightening keynote speech – which you can listen to in full here – Mr Justice Williams explored an array of issues relating to the criticism of experts. Distinguishing between constructive criticism, destructive criticism and disagreement, he guided the audience through criticism in the context of the work he’s doing with the Family Justice Council, along with recent judicial commentary on expert evidence. He also made excellent suggestions around what to do if you find yourself being criticised as an expert, as well as how to avoid finding yourself in that situation in the first place. We’ve summarised some of the key takeaways below. Constructive vs destructive Criticism isn’t all bad, Mr Justice Williams noted. Constructive feedback to an expert can help improve the way that other experts approach courts in the future — and that can only be a good thing. But judges are aware of the importance of protecting experts from unfair, destructive criticism. “Criticism in a judgement can have adverse consequences in terms of [experts’] reputation, referrals to professional bodies, and on business”, Mr Justice Williams noted. All experts should remember, though, that disagreement from a judge is not necessarily criticism. “Don’t be too sensitive!”, he reminded the audience. Common criticism A lack of preparation, failure to abide by court directions, going beyond remit or expertise, and poor presentation on paper and on screen are all areas where experts commonly face criticism. The possibility of being criticised in court was highlighted as a barrier for attracting experts – though it’s important to note that it was by no means the biggest barrier. “As the judiciary, it’s entirely within our hands to manage criticism of experts”, Mr Justice Williams acknowledged. Efforts to change the way that criticism is managed have been made in the family law arena, with the establishment of a working group, the Family Justice Council Sub-Committee on Experts. The good, the bad and the ugly Mr Justice Williams highlighted three areas likely to put you in a positive light in the eyes of a High Court judge: the ability to express complex concepts in accessible language; objectivity and staying within the bounds of your expertise; and, of course, sticking to the facts. At the opposite end of the spectrum, being unprepared; not abiding by court directions; and going beyond your remit or expertise are all traits that are likely to attract criticism from a judge. As for the ugly – make sure that your presentation on paper and on screen is up to scratch! How to avoid destructive criticism No Expert Witnesses want to attract destructive criticism. To help avoid it altogether, Mr Justice Williams’ top tips included: don’t take on too much; comply with timetables; and communicate any difficulties. “Can’t complete the work in the time you thought you would? Let us know and we can do something about it”, Mr Justice Williams pointed out. Importantly, he said, remember the fundamentals of being an expert: comply with your subject matter expertise and with procedural codes. Managing criticism “If you’re being criticised in court, the best position to take is to remain as objective as possible and try to give considered answers”, is Mr Justice Williams’ advice for managing criticism. “If you need it, ask for time to respond.” If you’re facing criticism, seek support: the Expert Witness Institute fulfils that mentoring and support role. “Destructive criticism can also be valuable as a learning process in itself”, Mr Justice Williams reminded us. “It illustrates to the broader community that bad practice is a part of everyone learning.” The happy judge Judges are very busy people – that’s partly why the presentation of expert reports, with an executive summary of four pages, is so important. “If you’re clear in your conclusion with clear and practical advice with a range of opinions, where relevant, the judge is going to be on your side to start with”, Mr Justice Williams said. “If you’ve got a happy judge, even if you’re robustly cross examined, having the judge on side is something to value.” The audience were reminded that criticism is not all bad. In fact, it is rare, and it is relatively easily avoided. Ultimately: “The judiciary want experts to continue being experts, we want you to enjoy being an expert, and we don’t like criticising (although we all like a robust exchange of views).” Listen to the full lecture Access the recording of the Sir Michael Davies Lecture 2023 – you’ll also get a CPD Certificate worth ¾ hour.