Advocacy
Expert Cross-Examination Skills
Challenge expert witnesses with precision, clarity, and confidence to regain control during high-stakes hearings.
- Advanced
- English
- 3 months
- 6 lessons
- Certificate included
What you will learn?
Deconstruct technical expert testimony clearly
Expose contradictions and challenge assumptions
Maintain credibility under scrutiny
Develop targeted questioning strategies
Who this course is for
Senior dispute resolution lawyers
Arbitration counsel handling high-value technical cases
Barristers and advocates involved in international hearings
Legal professionals preparing for expert-heavy disputes
Prerequisites
Solid understanding of advocacy principles
Prior experience in arbitral hearings or witness examination
Familiarity with evidentiary rules in arbitration
Confidence in legal reasoning and analysis
Why this course
Experts often dominate technical narratives — this course puts control back in your hands, Acquire advanced strategies for dismantling expert evidence, Learn precision questioning techniques under tribunal scrutiny, Handle evasive or combative experts with composure and confidence
Course content
Objective
Gain a deep understanding of expert evidence, its impact on proceedings, and how it shapes arbitral decision-making.
Key topics
Explain why expert testimony carries persuasive weight in arbitration
Identify tribunal expectations regarding expert evidence
Analyse the limitations of expert neutrality
Evaluate how experts influence technical and legal outcomes
Week 1
Lesson 1
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Master the planning process that underpins successful expert cross-examination in arbitration hearings.
Key topics
Develop a comprehensive cross-examination strategy
Analyse expert reports to identify vulnerabilities
Coordinate with technical consultants for effective questioning
Structure cross-examination themes logically and persuasively
Week 2
Lesson 2
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Learn how to craft sharp, purposeful questions that dismantle expert credibility while reinforcing your case theory.
Key topics
Formulate precise
leading questions to control testimony
Sequence questions to build momentum and expose contradictions
Avoid open-ended questioning that empowers the expert
Use documents strategically during cross-examination
Week 3
Lesson 3
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Complete a short case study worksheet and summarize your decision/recommendation.
Objective
Develop strategies for managing challenging experts while maintaining authority and professionalism.
Key topics
Identify tactics used by experts to deflect questions
Apply techniques to regain control during evasive answers
Maintain composure under pressure from difficult experts
Use tribunal interventions to your advantage
Week 4
Lesson 4
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Learn how to expose contradictions effectively and turn expert evidence into an asset for your client.
Key topics
Detect inconsistencies in oral testimony versus written reports
Expose flawed assumptions without alienating the tribunal
Present contradictions persuasively for maximum impact
Use technical evidence to undermine credibility logically
Week 5
Lesson 5
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Deliver strong conclusions that capitalise on your cross-examination success and enhance your overall advocacy strategy.
Key topics
Summarise key admissions from cross-examination
Integrate cross-examination outcomes into final arguments
Highlight weaknesses without overstating their significance
Draft post-hearing briefs that consolidate your advantage
Week 6
Lesson 6
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a short Notice of Arbitration (or procedural document) and share for peer review.
Description
Expert witnesses can make or break a case, often shaping the tribunal’s understanding of complex technical issues. For an advocate, the ability to cross-examine an expert effectively is one of the most critical and sophisticated skills in arbitration practice.
This advanced-level course is dedicated entirely to the craft of expert cross-examination. Participants will learn how to dissect technical reports, challenge flawed assumptions, and reveal contradictions — all while maintaining authority and professionalism before the tribunal. Through live simulations and case-based exercises, you will gain practical insights into structuring cross-examination strategies, framing precise questions, and handling evasive or overconfident experts with composure.
By the end of this programme, you will possess the tactical expertise to shift the balance of credibility during hearings and secure a decisive advantage for your client. If you are ready to transform your advocacy and command the most challenging moments in arbitration, this course is for you.
This advanced-level course is dedicated entirely to the craft of expert cross-examination. Participants will learn how to dissect technical reports, challenge flawed assumptions, and reveal contradictions — all while maintaining authority and professionalism before the tribunal. Through live simulations and case-based exercises, you will gain practical insights into structuring cross-examination strategies, framing precise questions, and handling evasive or overconfident experts with composure.
By the end of this programme, you will possess the tactical expertise to shift the balance of credibility during hearings and secure a decisive advantage for your client. If you are ready to transform your advocacy and command the most challenging moments in arbitration, this course is for you.
Instructor
Mian Sheraz Javaid
Master In Advocacy Through Practical Legal Training.
Sheraz draws from his rare dual expertise as an engineer and barrister to offer elite training in contract drafting. These programs are crafted for professionals who draft or review complex contracts and seek to enhance clarity, enforceability, and risk control across jurisdictions and sectors.
