EXPERT WITNESS SYMPOSIUM 2026
Where Expertise Meets Innovation
21 OCTOBER 2026
WEDNESDAY (7:45am-3:30pm)
Hilton, Sydney
Bringing together leaders in law and expert witness evidence
Key players in expert evidence including experts, solicitors, barristers and judges convene in a symposium to unpack crucial issues. Discussions will cover the role of lawyers in expert reports, legal professional privilege, presentation and procedure and concurrent evidence.
More speakers to be announced soon.
The Hon. Justice M.B.J. Lee
Judge, Federal Court of Australia
The Hon. Justice M.B.J. Lee
Judge, Federal Court of Australia
Christopher Rowden
Partner, HFW
Martin Del Gallego
Partner, Piper Alderman
Asia Lenard
Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
AI’s Role in the Future of Expert Witness Testimony
Leaders in the field of law and evidence discuss the evolving landscape of the expert witness; privilege, presentation and procedure, amid the influence of technology, science and societal shifts.
Craig Rispin
Futurist & CEO, Future Trends Group
Craig Rispin
Futurist & CEO, Future Trends Group
02
Keynote TOPICS
01
Panel Discussion
01
Oxford Debate
01
cross Examination
STYLES
Tailored sessions for legal and expert professionals
01
Keynote Address 2026
02
Amplifying Intelligence: The Future of the Expert Witness by Craig Rispin
03
Panel I: The Practitioner’s View: Expert Evidence Across Arbitration, Class Actions, Insurance and Intellectual Property
04
Oxford-style debate: This House believes that there is no such thing as a truly independent expert witness
05
Panel II: The Art of Cross-Examination: Insights from Silks
Full agenda will be announced soon.
The Practitioner's View
Expert Evidence Across Arbitration, Class Actions, Insurance and Intellectual Property
Cameron Myers
Principal Lawyer, Phi Finney McDonald
Cameron Myers
Principal Lawyer, Phi Finney McDonald
Christopher Rowden
Partner, HFW
Christopher Rowden
Partner, HFW
Dean Pinto
Partner, Wotton & Kearney
Dean Pinto
Partner, Wotton & Kearney
Jane Owen
Of Counsel, Bird & Bird
Jane Owen
Of Counsel, Bird & Bird
The Hon. Justice Ian Pike
Judge, Supreme Court of New South Wales
The Hon. Justice Ian Pike
Judge, Supreme Court of New South Wales
Oxford Debate
This house believes that there is no such thing as a truly independent expert witness
Martin Del Gallego
Partner, Piper Alderman
Martin Del Gallego
Partner, Piper Alderman
Asia Lenard
Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Asia Lenard
Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
James Foley
Barrister, 11 St James Hall
James Foley
Barrister, 11 St James Hall
Eleanor Doyle-Markwick
Barrister, Alinea Chambers
Eleanor Doyle-Markwick
Barrister, Alinea Chambers
The Art of Cross-Examination:
Insights from Silks
The Hon. Steven Rares KC
Barrister, 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
The Hon. Steven Rares KC
Barrister, 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
Liam Kelly KC
Barrister, New Chambers
Liam Kelly KC
Barrister, New Chambers
Christopher Withers SC
Barrister, Banco Chambers
Christopher Withers SC
Barrister, Banco Chambers
The Art of Cross-Examination
Insights from Silks
The Hon. Steven Rares
Former Judge, Federal Court of Australia and Barrister, 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
The Hon. Steven Rares
Former Judge, Federal Court of Australia and Barrister, 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers
Declan Roche SC
Barrister, Banco Chambers
Declan Roche SC
Barrister, Banco Chambers
Christopher Withers SC
Barrister, Banco Chambers
Christopher Withers SC
Barrister, Banco Chambers
Michelle Painter SC
Barrister, Nine Selborne Chambers
Michelle Painter SC
Barrister, Nine Selborne Chambers
Get your ticket for this year's Expert Witness Symposium
GET 10% OFF ON ALL ROOM ACCOMMODATION
$319
INC. GST – Early Bird Discount
(Only until 8 October 2026)
$429
INC. GST – REGULAR PRICE
GET 10% OFF ON ALL ROOM ACCOMMODATION
$319
INC. GST – Early Bird Discount
(Only until 2 October 2026)
$429
INC. GST – REGULAR PRICE
02
Keynote TOPICS
01
Panel Discussion
01
Oxford Debate
01
cross Examination
STYLES
Everything you need to Know
Level 3, Hilton Sydney
Wednesday, 21 October 2026
7:45am to 3:30pm
Why you should attend this year’s symposium
Hear from judges, barristers and other leading experts
Network with your peers
Get a firsthand overview of the annual Expert Witness Survey Results
Legal CPD points per hour *subject to your respective law society
Here’s what last year’s attendees had to say
Frequently asked questions
Expert witnesses and the legal fraternity including solicitors, barristers and judges. The focus of our symposium will be on civil litigation with many of our speakers having deep expertise in commercial litigation, class actions, defamation, ESG and insurance.
Level 3 Stateroom Hilton, Sydney – See map to location
Take look at Expert Witness Symposium 2025 Highlights to see what you can expect from the event.
Breakfast, morning tea and lunch included.
Yes, we have secured a 10% discount for your accommodation. The information on how to access this is included on your ticket.
You can outline your requirements when you book.
Business attire
The Hilton and Public parking venues can be found here: https://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/explore/
Yes, subject to availability. We cannot guarantee you a ticket.