Financials & the Expert Witness

Geneva, 11 & 12 October 2019

 

What is this program about ? 

This 2-day program seeks to provide an insight into the work and role of a financial expert witness in international arbitration.

It is designed for professionals dealing with international arbitration who face complex and challenging cases and who wish to further sharpen their ability to advise their client on potential strengths and weaknesses in financial claims or defenses, to critically review their own expert witness draft report or to plan cross-examination. The program includes an interactive session on how lawyers can make highly effective presentations and another session which will look into the role and perspective of an expert witness.

The program is not restricted to lawyers in private practice, it is also suited for litigation funders, in-house counsels and government or public sector professionals who deal with arbitration.

The program covers the topics of accounting principles, finance, businesses in distress and loss valuation. In addition, it includes two non-financial sessions focusing on some of the wider aspects of an arbitration lawyer's role: effective oral communication and compelling slide deck presentations; and the role and responsibilities of a party-appointed expert witness.

Program Learning Outcomes  

More specifically, the program will help participants to:

  • Gain an understanding of building blocks of accounting and of financial statements
  • Learn about some loss valuation methodologies
  • Be better equipped to ask informed questions to opposing parties about their reported potential litigation liabilities
  • Be able to recognize a business facing terminal decline
  • Learn to use your voice and a slide deck to make a compelling argument before an arbitral tribunal
  • Better understand the role of an expert witness - and hence be more effective in choosing, and working with, experts (whether appointed by your client or by the tribunal)

Methodology

The sessions allow open questions and discussions. The goal is to feel comfortable and able to maximize your learning opportunity. At the end of the module, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

Program Director

The program is led by Geoffrey Senogles, a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience of testifying as a financial expert witness in investment treaty, commercial and sports arbitrations and who previously worked on mass claims resolution in the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC). Over the years, he has also acted as non-executive director for several companies and as vice president and partner in international consulting firms. He is now a partner in Senogles & Co, near Geneva and has been delivering training to lawyers for over a decade. 

The session on communication will be led by John Zimmer, Barrister & Solicitor; Professional Public Speaker. For many years, John practiced corporate commercial and environmental law with Fasken Martineau, one of Canada's largest firms. In 1998, he moved to Geneva and has worked at the United Nations and the World Health Organisation. He is now a full-time speaker, giving keynotes, emceeing events, and helping companies communicate more effectively.

How to apply? 

To apply for Financials and the Expert Witness - Module 1, please send a CV and a motivation letter to info@cids.ch.

The number of participants is limited to 15-20 participants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Tuition Fee 

The tuition fee for the 2-days module is 2'500 Swiss Francs. The fee includes the tuition and lunches. Additionally, we charge a unique and non-refundable registration fee of 50 Swiss Francs.

Due to the limited number of places, payment is due upon acceptance to the program. Please note that the above fees do not cover travel and living expenses. 

Cancellation Policy

The CIDS must be notified in writing of cancellations. . No refund for cancellations notified less than 7 days before the program. 

In case of insufficient registration, the CIDS reserves the right to cancel the course up to 7 days before it is due to start. In this case, no reimbursement is offered for travel expenses or other costs.

Contact: info@cids.ch

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