Expert witness attendance
Fair, transparent tribunal support
We understand the significant financial pressure that tribunal proceedings can place on families. To keep our fees fair and transparent, our expert witness costs are split into two stages.
Our fees
Two clear stages
Preparation & administration
£300
Covers the work required in the run-up to the tribunal, which can include liaising with solicitors, responding to questions, reviewing tribunal bundles and preparing expert witness statements where required.
​
In our experience, Local Authorities may concede a case shortly before the tribunal date. If this happens, you will only be invoiced for the £300 preparation and administration fee, with no tribunal attendance fee.
Tribunal attendance
£300 full day / £175 half day
If the case proceeds to tribunal, attendance is charged separately. You will always know what you are paying for at each stage, and if the case is resolved before the hearing you will not be charged for attendance.
​
Our fees are capped at £600 in total for a full-day tribunal, so there are no unexpected costs beyond the agreed fee.
Your expert
Francesca Beard, Expert Witness
Francesca Beard is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Bond Solon-trained Expert Witness, with extensive experience providing expert evidence in SEND and tribunal proceedings.
​
She has worked on cases across a wide range of Local Authorities, including Bromley, Kent, Croydon, East Sussex, Bury, Lancashire and Manchester, giving her a broad understanding of the different approaches and challenges families can face when securing appropriate provision.
​
Francesca provides independent, evidence-based professional opinions on communication needs and the provision required. Her work focuses on ensuring recommendations are clearly evidenced, appropriately quantified and accurately reflected within an EHCP.
​
She has a 100% success rate in cases where she has recommended that a Speech and Language Therapy package should be included in the plan, with the recommended provision secured in every case to date.
​
Her approach is thorough, independent and child-centred, combining clinical expertise with an understanding of the legal and procedural requirements of SEND tribunals.
Specialist speech, language, communication and neurodiversity services for families, schools, local authorities and solicitors.
Services
contact
+44 7946 577634
Based in Dartford, Kent, covering South East London, East London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey.