This is a practical workshop designed especially for environmental practitioners who are looking to become expert witnesses.

With presenters experienced in each stage of the expert witness process, this workshop will cover:

• The role and obligations of an expert witness;
• An overview of the court processes;
• Conferencing with clients and lawyers;
• Preparing an expert report;
• Participating in joint meetings;
• Presenting evidence in Court; and
• Dealing with cross-examination.

Presenters

Alan Chenoweth

Alan is a Senior Principal and Visual Impact Assessment Manager of Cardno. He is a Certified Environmental Practitioner and Registered Landscape Architect, with over 35 years’ experience in plant sciences, natural area management, residential land development, environmental planning and landscape design. Alan’s expertise in the public and private sector includes: landscape evaluation, visual impacts, nature conservation, parks and open space and World Heritage values, and he is currently undertaking PhD research in professional ethics. Alan has considerable experience acting as an expert witness in ecology and visual impacts, including in the Queensland Planning and Environment Court.

Olivia Williamson

Olivia is an Associate with law firm HopgoodGanim. She advises clients on environmental and development approvals, planning appeals and declaratory proceedings, the interpretation of planning schemes and related legislation, compensation issues and environmental compliance and enforcement issues. Olivia has experience with engaging expert witnesses to assist with technical issues that arise throughout a development or project, including with respect to grounds for refusal, approval requirements or defending enforcement/prosecution actions.

John Taylor

In March 2010, John was appointed ADR Registrar of the Planning and Environment Court and in that role has conducted in excess of 1100 without prejudice conferences, case management conferences and meetings of experts. John retired as a partner of Shand Taylor Lawyers in 2002 after having practised extensively in planning law since 1967.

Mark Johnston

Mark is a barrister-at-law with a general commercial law practice including with respect to contract law, property law, banking and finance, mining and resources, construction law and competition law. Mark also practices in media law (including defamation) planning and environment law, land compensation and administrative law. Mark has extensive experience in conferring with expert witnesses to prepare for joint meetings and to give evidence to a specialist Court or Tribunal.

Chair: Sarah Macoun, Partner, HopgoodGanim

Program

To register, follow the prompt below to register online, or click here to download the form.

We would like to thank our Partners

CDM Smith

Origin Energy

And our event partner

Hopgood Ganim

Cancellation Policy
Full refunds will be given for any cancellations made one week prior to the Forum. Cancellations made less than one week but more than 24 hours prior to the breakfast will attract a 50% penalty. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to breakfast will attract the full 100% attendance fee. Delegates unable to attend are welcome to send an alternative delegate.

Diner and Visa card payments attract a 3.5% surcharge.