555 Expert witness survey highlights key trends

Bond Solon is thrilled to announce the publication of this year's expert witness survey, executed in partnership with the Law Society Gazette. Conducted online between 2 September 2026 and 25 September 2026, the survey collated responses from 555 experts, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the expert witness profession. The Law Society Gazette, a weekly legal publication dedicated to solicitors across England and Wales, plays a pivotal role in delivering news updates and professional guidance, boasting 418,000 unique monthly browsers on its website.

This year's survey delved into pressing issues experienced by expert witnesses over the previous year, examining factors such as the impact of artificial intelligence, pressures on fees, and the intricate nature of relationships with instructing parties. Notably, the results were made available on the same day as the Bond Solon expert witness conference, which took place on Friday 6 November 2026.

The findings reveal a profession at a crossroads, with many respondents affirming stable workloads while simultaneously acknowledging mounting pressures stemming from technological advancements, administrative burdens, and heightened judicial scrutiny. In particular, the rise of artificial intelligence emerged as a significant theme, with increased AI usage noted for tasks like research and document review. However, concerns also surfaced about over-reliance on AI, including risks of inaccurate outputs and potential compromises to professional judgment. Respondents voiced a compelling need for transparent protocols regarding AI application while yearning for practical guidance on its use among experts.

Commercial pressures are another critical concern, with many experts citing delayed payments, fee pressures, and complex agency charging structures as recurrent challenges. These issues are perceived as hurdles to the long-term viability of expert witness work, sparking discussions about the profession's sustainability.

Competence and regulation frequently surfaced in the survey, with numerous respondents expressing unease over experts practicing beyond their qualifications and the shortage of suitably trained professionals in certain specialist areas. While there was an underlying consensus on enhancing consistency and upholding standards, opinions varied regarding the implementation of formal accreditation or regulation.

Furthermore, the survey depicted the increasingly intricate landscape within which experts operate. Respondents reported dealing with larger volumes of digital evidence, tighter deadlines, and greater scrutiny from courts and instructing parties. Amid these challenges, the significance of independence, objectivity, and professional integrity was underscored as the foundation for navigating a fast-evolving environment.

Looking to the future, the results suggest a profession poised to adapt proactively to change. Experts are leveraging new technologies to boost efficiency while remaining acutely aware of their professional obligations. An evident desire was expressed for improved guidance, fairer commercial practices, and continued discourse aimed at maintaining high standards across the expert witness sector.

In summary, the survey indicates that while the challenges confronting expert witnesses continue to transform, the fundamental principles of expertise, independence, and commitment to assisting the court remain vital. Upholding these tenets will be paramount as the legal and technological landscape becomes increasingly complex in the years to come. Based on the diverse responses from the 555 participants spanning medical and non-medical fields, this survey offers critical evaluations of trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the domain of expert evidence today.