Welcome news following Associate Partner, Greg Bird’s recent successful completion of Legal Experience Training’s, Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence (LETAPAEWE).
The RICS and ICE approved course, accredited by Pearson Learning at a level 7 (Masters level) BTEC and designed by Penny Harper and Mark James, provides experts with the knowledge, skills and confidence to perform their role as expert witness in their field.
Greg joined the team from Arcadis in 2016, to lead on Party Wall matters in the Manchester office. His extensive experience, which also encapsulates a Principal Designer/ CDM advisor role, has made him a robust leader within the team, and his expertise is signified via the many notable projects he has worked on: most recently, concluding Party Wall input to safeguard the historic structures and precious stores of Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum (including the original egg from the Alien film!).
Learning how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case, in particular, responding to cross examination that focuses only on the weaknesses, was a notable takeaway from the course for Greg, whose newly acquired skills will only add further weight to his professional opinion and consultancy ability.
Due to the pandemic, the trainees had to finish the course via zoom, resulting in some interesting mock-up court setups at home, which again is testament to the industry’s ability to keep moving forward during these challenging times.
It’s certainly a different world than it was a few months ago: as remote connectivity lessens the emphasis on location and heightens the concept of flexibility, Greg is embracing how the work and home balance will change going forwards.
We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Greg on this enormous achievement, not least whilst navigating the challenges of lockdown; with a particular, personal extension of thanks from Greg, to Manchester Managing Partner, Sam Wallis for his support throughout.
Greg is currently in the process of seeking accreditation with the RICS dispute resolution service
For more information or if you require assistance on neighbourly disputes/ expert witness in the Northern Region or beyond, contact: greg.bird@gia.uk.com / 07890535304.
Notes:
Penny Harper is a Solicitor, Director of Legal Experience Training and Principal author of “The expert witness”.
Mark James is Barrister: Temple Garden Chambers, London and author of “Expert Evidence: Law and Practice