Briefing: What is an Energy and Resources Expert Witness Service?
Expert witness services in energy and resources help resolve complex legal disputes by providing impartial, technical expertise. In this guide we explore the development of the solution, how it can be used, and what to look for when selecting a service.
Enco Insights, London - 13 June 2025
In this guide to energy and resource expert witness services we cover questions including:
When did expert witness services start, and how have they evolved?
How can expert witness services be useful to the energy and resources sector, and what can they do?
What makes a good expert witness service?
How did expert witness services evolve?
Expert witness services have evolved from occasional use in medical cases to a vital part of modern legal systems. Beginning with the 1782 case Folkes v. Chadd, expert testimony gained legal recognition, but concerns about bias persisted through the 19th century. As legal disputes became more complex in the 20th century, experts from diverse fields like engineering and finance became essential.
Today, expert witnesses are expected to be impartial, clear communicators, and with genuine professional experience, helping courts understand technical issues and make informed decisions, “by giving opinion which is objective and unbiased, in relation to matters within their expertise” - in the words of the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service.
“Legal teams need expert witnesses who not only understand these complexities but can also communicate them clearly in arbitration or court.”
Why are expert witness services useful to the energy and resources sector?
In the high-stakes world of energy, infrastructure, and resources, legal disputes can be complex and global in scope. When these disputes arise, law firms and corporate clients often turn to expert witnesses—specialists with deep, credible knowledge who can provide independent, authoritative insight. An expert witness service connects legal teams with these specialists. At Enco Insights, for example, we support law firms throughout the entire dispute lifecycle—from pre-pitch to trial and beyond.
In particular, disputes in the energy and resources sectors often involve highly technical issues—ranging from LNG trading and crude oil pricing to environmental regulations and project finance. Legal teams need expert witnesses who not only understand these complexities but can also communicate them clearly in arbitration or court.
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Challenge: Client needed highly credible senior gas industry expert to counter other side’s arguments around force majeure and RPO. Client law firm and client had worked through 14 profiles from own network and found no one suitable.
Solution: We identified a shortlist of senior LNG experts with trading and IOC credentials on the same day as instruction.
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Challenge: Client needed an independent expert in the audit laws of its counterparty, an African state. Expert needed to have testifying experience but no links to the African country. Client had spent six months searching for their ‘unicorn’.
Solution: After three days of intensive searches and screening, Enco presented a shortlist of three experts who had helped draft and implement the country’s audit law. Client instructed our expert who then testified successfully at tribunal.
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Challenge: Client needed a nuclear/uranium expert (pricing and market) to answer highly
specialised questions in an area with few expert witnesses.
Solution: We presented the client with a shortlist of experienced expert witnesses, all with trading experience including work with major miners or large utilities.
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Challenge: Client needed credible oil trading market experts with specific grade experience who could counter arguments of other side’s expert, an academic.
Solution: We presented a short list of four former senior crude traders. Client engaged two former crude book leads as expert witnesses on the matter.
What types of energy sector cases require expert witnesses?
Expert witnesses are essential in a wide range of disputes, including:
Trading and Pricing Disputes: Such as futures trading, crude oil, and LNG markets.
Infrastructure and Project Finance: Including power markets, environmental regulations, and hedging strategies.
Specialised Commodity Cases: Covering uranium, iron ore, aluminium, biofuels, and agricultural commodities.
What makes a good energy expert witness service?
The value of an expert witness service lies in its ability to provide:
Credible Expertise: Access to professionals with decades of hands-on experience in energy, commodities, and infrastructure.
Global Reach: A network that spans continents, ensuring the right expert is available regardless of jurisdiction.
Tailored Matching: A deep understanding of legal and technical requirements to match the right expert to the right case.
“Finding the right expert witness doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With a specialist service you can gain access to a curated network of professionals who are ready to support your case with clarity, credibility, and confidence. ”
How does an expert witness process work?
The process of engaging an expert witness through a service like Enco Insights typically follows a structured lifecycle:
Understanding Project Requirements: Expert witness services work closely with clients’ legal teams to understand the technical and legal nuances of the case.
Identifying Relevant Experts: Using a global network, Enco’s expert witness services identify subject matter experts with the precise knowledge needed.
Qualifying Experts: Expert witness teams pre-screen candidates, arrange meetings, and ensure the expert is a good fit for the case.
Expert–Client Engagement: Once selected, the expert is contracted via the service, ensuring streamlined billing and ongoing support.
Project Closure: Expert witness services remain involved throughout the engagement to ensure smooth delivery and expert performance.
How Can You Find the Right Expert Witness?
Finding the right expert witness doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With a specialist service you can gain access to a curated network of professionals who are ready to support your case with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
Ready to find your next expert witness? Visit encoinsights.com to learn more about our solutions, or contact our team directly to learn more.
What Sets Enco Insights’ Expert Witness Service Apart?
We are sector specialists with:
A Unique Network: Built over two decades through HC Group (energy and commodities) and Hyperion (cleantech and renewables).
Global Presence: With offices in London, New York, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and more.
Client-Centric Support: Our team, including former senior lawyers, provide hands-on support.
How can Enco Insights help?
To support companies with complex energy and resources legal disputes, Enco Insights’ Expert Witness service connects clients with senior advisors who have navigated multiple market cycles and regulatory transitions.