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Expert Evidence: How has the Landscape Changed for Counsel, Experts and Triers?

Sally Gomery
Partner, Ogilvy Renault LLP

Stephen R. Moore
Partner, Blaney McMurtry LLP, Toronto

  • How are Ontario’s amended Rules of Civil Procedure changing the practice of experts and counsel?
    • are experts becoming gun-shy?
    • are they volunteering opinions outside their retainer and if so what do counsel do with that information?
    • wording letters of retainer
    • what to say and what not to say when briefing and speaking with experts
    • how much of your discussions with experts must be disclosed and when?
  • Will courts and tribunals be requiring experts to meet with each other in advance of the trial?
    • what will the implications be for counsel?
    • maintaining privilege
    • can a jointly retained expert subsequently appear for one party?
  • How do the new rules on expert reports apply to reports served before January 1st, 2010?
    • will the reports have to be amended, and if so at what cost?
    • should a jointly retained third party provide the range of possible outcomes?
  • Strategies for counsel
    • at trial
    • what to demand before and at trial
    • making sure your experts are not disqualified for lack of impartiality
  • Will other courts and tribunals impose similar rules with respect to experts?