Bond Solon - Witness Familiarisation Brochure

Witness Familiarisation

The essential pre-hearing service for those required
to give evidence in legal proceedings

Witness Familiarisation

The essential pre-hearing service for those required to give evidence in legal proceedings
What’s covered?

What’s covered? | Page 2

What’s covered?

What’s covered? | Page 2
Overview

Who are we?

Bond Solon is the UK’s leading provider of witness familiarisation services. Established in 1992, we have worked with witnesses from all backgrounds on a variety of different cases. Our clients include the top UK and international law firms, commercial organisations as well as central and local government bodies.

Our trainers are experienced KC’s, barristers, solicitor advocates and solicitors, with at least 20 years post-qualifying experience, and are all professionally trained trainers. Our trainers have experience across a wide variety of legal fora, from private family law proceedings to large commercial arbitrations, and can tailor the sessions to suit the needs of any witness. We are
wholly independent and have no personal knowledge of the facts and issues of the case at hand.

We believe no witness should be disadvantaged by not understanding the process, or be taken by surprise when they give evidence. Our training sessions address these potential pitfalls head-on, equipping witnesses with the understanding, skills and confidence needed so that they can navigate the process successfully, helping mitigate risk and achieve the best possible outcome at trial.

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Overview | Page 3

Overview

Who are we?

Bond Solon is the UK’s leading provider of witness familiarisation services. Established in 1992, we have worked with witnesses from all backgrounds on a variety of different cases. Our clients include the top UK and international law firms, commercial organisations as well as central and local government bodies.

Our trainers are experienced KC’s, barristers, solicitor advocates and solicitors, with at least 20 years post-qualifying experience, and are all professionally trained trainers. Our trainers have experience across a wide variety of legal fora, from private family law proceedings to large commercial arbitrations, and can tailor the sessions to suit the needs of any witness. We are
wholly independent and have no personal knowledge of the facts and issues of the case at hand.

We believe no witness should be disadvantaged by not understanding the process, or be taken by surprise when they give evidence. Our training sessions address these potential pitfalls head-on, equipping witnesses with the understanding, skills and confidence needed so that they can navigate the process successfully, helping mitigate risk and achieve the best possible outcome at trial.

<p>Either content is missing or your browser does not support iframes.</p>

Overview | Page 3
What do we do?

Giving evidence can be a daunting, unfamiliar and uncomfortable experience for witnesses.

Most witnesses have never seen the inside of a courtroom, yet they can be required to attend a hearing and be cross-examined without always understanding fully what is required of them. They need to know how
to prepare and how to give clear, helpful and
honest testimony.

Our training provides witnesses with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, practice and procedure of giving evidence, and what is expected of them throughout the hearing stage of a case.

Our goal is to provide our clients with a bespoke service to help build their confidence prior to giving evidence, ultimately achieving a positive outcome in their case.

Overview | Page 4

What do we do?

Giving evidence can be a daunting, unfamiliar and uncomfortable experience for witnesses.

Most witnesses have never seen the inside of a courtroom, yet they can be required to attend a hearing and be cross-examined without always understanding fully what is required of them. They need to know how to prepare and how to give clear, helpful and honest testimony.

Our training provides witnesses with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, practice and procedure of giving evidence, and what is expected of them throughout the hearing stage of a case.

Our goal is to provide our clients with a bespoke service to help build their confidence prior to giving evidence, ultimately achieving a positive outcome in their case.

Overview | Page 4
How do we do it?

All of our sessions are designed and delivered by professional trainers and qualified lawyers. Interactive, engaging and through consultation with our clients prior to the sessions, we tailor them to the specific requirements of each witness. Participants will be provided with personal feedback and areas to work on.

Coaching has always been prohibited. Lawyers are not allowed to prepare witnesses on what they should say or attempt to persuade the witness into changing their evidence. Instead, our sessions focus on equipping witnesses with the skills they need to withstand difficult cross-examination, and give an honest, objective and effective account of their evidence at the hearing stage.

We always run cross-examination practice as part of our training, based either on a case study provided by us, or on a scenario or opinion personal to the witness. We will ensure any material bears no resemblance to the facts and issues in dispute.

What our clients say

Quote

Witness Training is an important part of a modern dispute resolution. It is fair and proper to educate individual witnesses about what they might expect to experience during the legal process, and what their role is. Bond Solon are a reliable, experienced and helpful provider of training services - providing valuable support to the dispute resolution team

Melanie Willems, Partner & Chair of International Arbitration, Haynes Boone

Quote

Witness Familiarisation is vital to ensure witnesses know what to expect at a hearing so they can give their evidence effectively.

Ali Malek KC, Three Verulam Buildings

Overview | Page 5

What our clients say

Quote

Witness Familiarisation is vital to ensure witnesses know what to expect at a hearing so they can give their evidence effectively.

Ali Malek KC, Three Verulam Buildings

How do we do it?

All of our sessions are designed and delivered by professional trainers and qualified lawyers. Interactive, engaging and through consultation with our clients prior to the sessions, we tailor them to the specific requirements of each witness. Participants will be provided with personal feedback and areas to work on.

Coaching has always been prohibited. Lawyers are not allowed to prepare witnesses on what they should say or attempt to persuade the witness into changing their evidence. Instead, our sessions focus on equipping witnesses with the skills they need to withstand difficult cross-examination, and give an honest, objective and effective account of their evidence at the hearing stage.

We always run cross-examination practice as part of our training, based either on a case study provided by us, or on a scenario or opinion personal to the witness. We will ensure any material bears no resemblance to the facts and issues in dispute.

Overview | Page 5
Our services

Which legal hearings do we prepare witnesses for?

We regularly deliver witness familiarisation session for factual witnesses and experts who are required to give evidence across a wide variety of legal hearings, including but not limited to:
- Arbitration - including all of the major rules
  and ad-hoc
- Civil courts - both in the UK and overseas
- Criminal proceedings
- Employment tribunals
- Public inquiries
- Tribunals
- Coroner’s courts
- Professional conduct hearings
- Overseas and ‘offshore’ hearings – jurisdictions include the Channel Islands, Cayman Islands, BVI, Singapore, Hong Kong, DIFC, ADGM
How do we deliver our sessions?

Face to face

Our standard method of delivery, we can deliver our sessions in person, at a location convenient for the witness. Where witnesses are giving evidence face to face, we recommend in-person training to help best replicate the conditions at the hearing. We travel all over the world to deliver our sessions.

Virtual

All of our sessions can also be delivered virtually. If witnesses are giving evidence by video link, or indeed hearings are taking place remotely, we suggest virtual training. We have access to several different video conferencing platforms to facilitate this.

Witness Familiarisation

Our services | Page 6
Our services
Which legal hearings do we prepare witnesses for?

We regularly deliver witness familiarisation session for factual witnesses and experts who are required to give evidence across a wide variety of legal hearings, including but not limited to:
- Arbitration - including all of the major rules and ad-hoc
- Civil courts - both in the UK
  and overseas
- Criminal proceedings
- Employment tribunals
- Public inquiries
- Tribunals
- Coroner’s courts
- Professional conduct hearings
- Overseas and ‘offshore’ hearings – jurisdictions include the Channel Islands, Cayman Islands, BVI, Singapore, Hong Kong, DIFC, ADGM
How do we deliver our sessions?

Face to face

Our standard method of delivery, we can deliver our sessions in person, at a location convenient for the witness. Where witnesses are giving evidence face to face, we recommend in-person training to help best replicate the conditions at the hearing. We travel all over the world to deliver our sessions.

Virtual

All of our sessions can also be delivered virtually. If witnesses are giving evidence by video link, or indeed hearings are taking place remotely, we suggest virtual training. We have access to several different video conferencing platforms to facilitate this.

Witness Familiarisation

Our services | Page 6
Our standard product, this session is designed to give witnesses a thorough understanding of the procedures involved in giving evidence, their role in the adversarial system, and the preparation required to provide a coherent account at the hearing. We will discuss and demystify the techniques lawyers use in cross-examination to disconcert and discredit witnesses. Participants are then cross-examined on a case study or topic unrelated to the facts and issues of the case at hand, with detailed feedback on their performance provided to them and any instructing parties.

Key learning outcomes:
- Understand the practice, procedures and etiquette of giving factual
  or expert evidence
- Deal with techniques lawyers use in cross-examination
- Identify problems that can arise in cross-examination and learn
  how to handle them
- Give coherent, sequential testimony under difficult cross-examination
Find out more
Witness Familiarisation

Our services | Page 7
Witness Familiarisation Training
Our standard product, this session is designed to give witnesses a thorough understanding of the procedures involved in giving evidence, their role in the adversarial system, and the preparation required to provide a coherent account at the hearing. We will discuss and demystify the techniques lawyers use in cross-examination to disconcert and discredit witnesses. Participants are then cross-examined on a case study or topic unrelated to the facts and issues of the case at hand, with detailed feedback on their performance provided to them and any instructing parties.

Key learning outcomes:
- Understand the practice, procedures and etiquette of giving factual or expert evidence
- Deal with techniques lawyers use in cross-examination
- Identify problems that can arise in cross-examination and learn
  how to handle them
- Give coherent, sequential testimony under difficult
  cross-examination
Find out more
Witness Familiarisation

Our services | Page 7
Designed to dovetail with our Witness Familiarisation product, this session will provide witnesses with the fullest preparation ahead of their hearing. We would strongly recommend this session where witnesses are particularly key to proceedings, are giving evidence for more than half a day, or where instructing parties have any specific concerns.

Each witness will undergo in-depth cross-examination and learn how to deal with difficult cross-examination techniques confidently, and to communicate clearly with the decision maker. Witnesses can be videoed, and their performance analysed. Feedback is then provided, both on an ongoing basis through the session, and by way of a written post-course report.

Key learning outcomes:
- Master the delivery of oral evidence
- Improve the witness’s performance by continuous assessment
  (including the use of video)
- Get to the essence of a complex case
- Handle difficult cross examination techniques
Find out more
Witness Familiarisation

Our services | Page 8
Follow up Cross-Examination
Designed to dovetail with our Witness Familiarisation product, this session will provide witnesses with the fullest preparation ahead of their hearing. We would strongly recommend this session where witnesses are particularly key to proceedings, are giving evidence for more than half a day, or where instructing parties have any specific concerns.

Each witness will undergo in-depth cross-examination and learn how to deal with difficult cross-examination techniques confidently, and to communicate clearly with the decision maker. Witnesses can be videoed, and their performance analysed. Feedback is then provided, both on an ongoing basis through the session, and by way of a written post-course report.

Key learning outcomes:
- Master the delivery of
  oral evidence
- Improve the witness’s performance by continuous assessment
  (including the use of video)
- Get to the essence of a
  complex case
- Handle difficult cross examination techniques
Find out more
Witness Familiarisation

Our services | Page 8
Delivered by two trainers - one of our specialist trainers and a KC - Witness Familiarisation + is our premium product designed to provide witnesses with the fullest preparation ahead of giving evidence. Our trainer will cover the theory elements of our flagship Witness Familiarisation product, with input from a KC on cross-examination techniques and how to handle them. A KC will then lead cross-examination of the witnesses, with both trainers providing comprehensive feedback on their performance, including body language and delivery. This enables witnesses to fully understand what is expected of them and to perform at their best at the hearing.

Find out more

Our services | Page 9

Witness Familiarisation+

Delivered by two trainers - one of our specialist trainers and a KC - Witness Familiarisation + is our premium product designed to provide witnesses with the fullest preparation ahead of giving evidence. Our trainer will cover the theory elements of our flagship Witness Familiarisation product, with input from a KC on cross-examination techniques and how to handle them. A KC will then lead cross-examination of the witnesses, with both trainers providing comprehensive feedback on their performance, including body language and delivery. This enables witnesses to fully understand what is expected of them and to perform at their best at the hearing.

Find out more

Our services | Page 9
Reduce Witness Risk with AI-Driven Insight

Stronger Case StrategyBetter-prepared witnesses give clearer, more consistent evidence, supporting stronger case outcomes.

Smarter Witness Assessment Identify the most credible, consistent and relevant witnesses efficiently and objectively.

Enhanced Familiarisation Training Use emotional pattern analysis to uncover and address factors that may weaken testimony before it matters.

Consistent, High-Quality Standards Apply a structured, repeatable assessment approach across multiple witnesses and cases.

Find out more

Our services | Page 10

Reduce Witness Risk with AI-Driven Insight

Stronger Case StrategyBetter-prepared witnesses give clearer, more consistent
evidence, supporting stronger case outcomes.

Smarter Witness Assessment Identify the most credible, consistent and relevant witnesses efficiently and objectively.

Enhanced
Familiarisation Training Use emotional pattern analysis
to uncover and address factors that may weaken testimony before it matters.

Consistent,
High-Quality Standards Apply a structured, repeatable assessment approach across multiple witnesses and cases.

Find out more

Our services | Page 10
Additional services

Select the buttons below to reveal more information.
Interpreters

Finding the right interpreter and establishing how best to use that interpreter can be vital to your witness performing well at the hearing.

We regularly work with a pool of top interpreters, based both in the UK and overseas, to help prepare witnesses for legal proceedings from Tribunals to High Court hearings and Arbitrations. If this is something we can assist with for the training or the hearing, please contact us for further information. We can instruct interpreters on your behalf to assist with both in-person and virtual sessions.

Course visit service

A visit to the courts helps to contextualise the learning from our Witness Familiarisation products. An important part of preparation, this session is designed to provide attendees with a firsthand experience of the atmosphere at court, to help them gain familiarity with procedure, and to alleviate any anxieties about the process.

Designed to run after our Witness Familiarisation training packages, our trainer will accompany attendees to, subject to court timetabling, view live cross-examination. They will then run a debrief with the attendees following the session, helping, in conjunction with previous training sessions, to thoroughly prepare witnesses for their testimony.

Confidence Masterclass

Bond Solon’s Confidence Masterclass Programme offers enhanced support for individuals where performance, composure, and clarity are critical. These sessions build upon the core Bond Solon training, delivering bespoke workshops in confidence, presence, and resilience under scrutiny.

The session is facilitated by Neil Seligman, a civil barrister and international keynote speaker, who is one of the UK’s leading experts in mindfulness and leadership. He is the author of The Conscious Witness Handbook and his unique blend of legal insight and performance coaching makes him ideally placed to support sensitive witnesses and those facing the most demanding courtroom environments.

Key learning Outcomes:
- Recognise and manage physiological stress responses in real time.
- Maintain clarity and authenticity when questioned or criticised.
- Anchoring techniques through breath, posture, and values-based presence.
- Communicate with confidence that feels natural rather than forced.
- Leave the session with practical techniques for sustaining focus and steadiness before, during, and after pressured performances.
Witness Familiarisation

Additional services | Page 11
Additional services

Select the buttons below to reveal more information.
Interpreters

Finding the right interpreter and establishing how best to use that interpreter can be vital to your witness performing well at the hearing.

We regularly work with a pool of top interpreters, based both in the UK and overseas, to help prepare witnesses for legal proceedings from Tribunals to High Court hearings and Arbitrations. If this is something we can assist with for the training or the hearing, please contact us for further information. We can instruct interpreters on your behalf to assist with both in-person and virtual sessions.

Course visit service

A visit to the courts helps to contextualise the learning from our Witness Familiarisation products. An important part of preparation, this session is designed to provide attendees with a firsthand experience of the atmosphere at court, to help them gain familiarity with procedure, and to alleviate any anxieties about the process.

Designed to run after our Witness Familiarisation training packages, our trainer will accompany attendees to, subject to court timetabling, view live cross-examination. They will then run a debrief with the attendees following the session, helping, in conjunction with previous training sessions, to thoroughly prepare witnesses for their testimony.

Confidence Masterclass

Bond Solon’s Confidence Masterclass Programme offers enhanced support for individuals where performance, composure, and clarity are critical. These sessions build upon the core Bond Solon training, delivering bespoke workshops in confidence, presence, and resilience under scrutiny.

The session is facilitated by Neil Seligman, a civil barrister and international keynote speaker, who is one of the UK’s leading experts in mindfulness and leadership. He is the author of The Conscious Witness Handbook and his unique blend of legal insight and performance coaching makes him ideally placed to support sensitive witnesses and those facing the most demanding courtroom environments.

Key learning Outcomes:
- Recognise and manage physiological stress responses in real time.
- Maintain clarity and authenticity when questioned or criticised.
- Anchoring techniques through breath, posture, and values-based presence.
- Communicate with confidence that feels natural rather than forced.
- Leave the session with practical techniques for sustaining focus and steadiness before, during, and after pressured performances.
Witness Familiarisation

Additional services | Page 11
Free one-hour continuing professional development training

The training session has been designed to provide litigators with a comprehensive understanding of case law and guidelines in relation to Witness Familiarisation.

The session is interactive and will explore the problems that lawyers encounter. Using both factual and expert witnesses at the evidence giving stage, learn how best to address these issues through Witness Familiarisation, in accordance with the current law. The material covered will count towards continuing competence as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

If you would like to organise a free one-hour session to take place at your offices or online, please call +44 (0)20 7549 2549 or
email info@bondsolon.com

What our clients say

Quote

It is seen as important to provide support to all our staff who are facing giving evidence in forthcoming litigation. We have utilised Bond Solon’s Witness Familiarisation service to provide this support and the feedback from those who have benefited from the training has been extremely positive.

Marks & Spencer, Legal Department

Quote

The training was extremely beneficial. Our witnesses were noticeably more comfortable and well‑prepared when giving evidence, which made a real difference to the process. They found the sessions both reassuring and practical, and have asked us to pass on their thanks. All the witnesses were undoubtedly more confident because of your help and expertise. Your time, flexibility and expertise were very much appreciated by the whole team.

Charles Thomson, Partner, Baker McKenzie

Additional services | Page 12

Free one-hour continuing professional development training

The training session has been designed to provide litigators with a comprehensive understanding of case law and guidelines in relation to Witness Familiarisation.

The session is interactive and will explore the problems that lawyers encounter. Using both factual and expert witnesses at the evidence giving stage, learn how best to address these issues through Witness Familiarisation, in accordance with the current law. The material covered will count towards continuing competence as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

If you would like to organise a free one-hour session to take place at your offices, please call +44 (0)20 7549 2549 or email info@bondsolon.com

What our clients say

Quote

It is seen as important to provide support to all our staff who are facing giving evidence in forthcoming litigation. We have utilised Bond Solon’s Witness Familiarisation service to provide this support and the feedback from those who have benefited from the training has been extremely positive.

Marks & Spencer, Legal Department

Quote

The training was extremely beneficial. Our witnesses were noticeably more comfortable and well‑prepared when giving evidence, which made a real difference to the process. They found the sessions both reassuring and practical, and have asked us to pass on their thanks. All the witnesses were undoubtedly more confident because of your help and expertise. Your time, flexibility and expertise were very much appreciated by the whole team.

Charles Thomson, Partner, Baker McKenzie

Additional services | Page 12
A selection of
our clients
- A&O
- Baker McKenzie
- Bracewell
- CharlesRussell Sppechlys
- Clifford Chance
- CMS
- Covington
- Debevoise & Plimpton
- & Ellis LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- Linklaters
- Mayer Brown
- Mishcon De Reya
- Morgan Lewis
- Payne Hicks Beach
- Dentons
- DLA Piper
- Eversheds Sutherland
- Freshfields
- Family Law in Partnership
- Herbert Smith Freehills
- Kingsley NapleyKirkland
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- Reed Smith
- Quinn Emanuel trial laywers
- Sidley
- Skadden
- Slaughter and May
- Stephenson Harwood
- White & Case
Witness Familiarisation

A selection of our clients | Page 13

A selection of our clients | Page 13
A selection of
our clients
- A&O
- Baker McKenzie
- Bracewell
- CharlesRussell Sppechlys
- Clifford Chance
- CMS
- Covington
- Debevoise & Plimpton
- Dentons
- DLA Piper
- Eversheds Sutherland
- Freshfields
- Family Law in Partnership
- Herbert Smith Freehills
- Kingsley NapleyKirkland & Ellis LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- Linklaters
- Mayer Brown
- Mishcon De Reya
- Morgan Lewis
- Payne Hicks Beach
- Norton Rose Fulbright
- Reed Smith
- Quinn Emanuel trial laywers
- Sidley
- Skadden
- Slaughter and May
- Stephenson Harwood
- White & Case
Witness Familiarisation

A selection of our clients | Page 13
www.bondsolon.com | info@bondsolon.com | +44 (0)20 7549 2549

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| www.bondsolon.com

| info@bondsolon.com

| +44 (0)20 7549 2549

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BSLB18540%20-%20Wit%20Fam%20Brochure%20V5

What’s covered?

What’s covered?

Overview

﻿Who are we?

Overview

What do we do?

How do we do it?

What our clients say

Our services

﻿Which legal hearings do we prepare witnesses for?

How do we deliver our sessions?

Face to face

Virtual

Our services

Face to face

Virtual

Additional services

Confidence Masterclass

Additional services

What our clients say

A selection of our clients

A selection of our clients

Who are we?

Which legal hearings do we prepare witnesses for?

A selection of
our clients

A selection of
our clients