How forensic accountants act as advisers
Forensic accountants can also act as advisers to parties, providing advice throughout the dispute.
Often, this is done in anticipation of also acting as an expert witness, and the forensic accountant will act with independence and in line with the relevant rules from the outset.
What is a shadow expert?
However, a party may sometimes engage a forensic accountant to act purely as an adviser, with no expectation of being an expert witness. This is sometimes described as a “shadow expert”.
Expert advisers can offer strategic and expert guidance to support a case in many different ways. They can help shape the strategy, assist in assessing strengths and overcoming weaknesses, and provide views on best to approach issues of loss and damage. They can also be used to stress test arguments without recourse to the appointed expert witness, and help prepare for trial and cross-examination of other expert witnesses.
Whilst the identity of an expert witness is known, usually quite early in a case, the expert adviser can be kept behind the scenes – sometimes without anyone knowing.
