By Business & Finance 
Eavanna FitzGerald is a barrister, founder, and CEO of The Expert Witness Site. The company’s goal is to streamline the process for lawyers to find expert witnesses. They hold almost 60 years of experience in practice at the Bar of Ireland, seeing first hand the problems that solicitors encounter in securing the right Expert.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My main aim with The Expert Witness Site is to ensure the highest quality of Expert Witness evidence is coming before the Irish Courts. Having worked as a Barrister for 20 years, I’ve seen first-hand the problems legal teams face when sourcing high quality Expert Witnesses; as well as the misunderstandings that pertain to the role and duties of an Expert. The Expert Witness Site is all about solving those issues and making life easier for everyone involved!
What are your biggest challenges as CEO?
Because we offer a completely new service, getting the word out about what we do is one of the main challenges. As a team of experienced Barristers, we are fortunate in that we have a lot of contacts in the legal industry, so that has given us a great headstart. Learning the ropes as a business person was also a personal challenge for me, but it turns out I love it! I feel very fortunate to have supports like the Local Enterprise Office and Going for Growth behind us too.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
It’s interesting and exciting that the whole area of Expert Witnesses hasn’t really been addressed in Ireland before. In late 2022, the Court of Appeal commented that the culture around Expert Witnesses needed to change. So there is a fresh landscape there, and we are relishing the challenge of bringing about the positive impact that is so badly needed.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
There’s a much needed emphasis emerging on the necessity for Expert Witnesses to be fully compliant with their legal duties. The implications of not doing so can be huge for the client of course, but it is clear also that costs Orders can be made against Expert Witnesses and/or legal teams themselves. So I think lawyers are now having to place additional emphasis on ensuring the Experts they retain are fully up to speed on their duties and responsibilities.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
It would be great to see a situation where all Expert Witnesses coming before the Courts in Ireland undergo appropriate training. It is in everybody’s interests that this happens. I would also like to see more people taking on the role as an Expert Witness – often it seems that people can underestimate their expertise…anywhere from 15 years in a profession is usually more than adequate for the role.
How do you define success and what drives you to succeed?
I love this question as it’s something I’ve reflected on a lot. We can be conditioned to believe that success is all about reaching certain heights in our career. For me, success is the ability to balance the work that I love, with having a full, involved family life.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
A huge highlight has been the approaches we have had from big stakeholders. It is very flattering to see so much interest in what we are doing. We have just agreed a very exciting collaboration which is going to be announced later in the year. Another highlight was being chosen as a participant in the highly acclaimed “Going for Growth” programme, headed up by the incredible Paula Fitzsimons. This involved 6 months of round- table discussions with fellow female entrepreneurs and the learning went beyond anything I could have expected.
And of course being finalists in the Leap Irish Law Awards!
What’s next for your company?
Where to start with this one! We have so much in the pipeline at the moment. We are exploring a lot of opportunities with various stakeholders and there is lots to look forward to on that front. On the operational side, tech is a big focus, as we bring new capabilities to our website.
Where do you want your business/brand to be this time next year?
I want The Expert Witness Site to be the first thing that comes to mind when people are in need of an Expert.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
My all-time favourite is Andre Agassi’s autobiography ‘Open’. It would resonate with anybody, whether you’re interested in sport or not. The love-hate relationship Agassi had with tennis, and the personal challenges he faced while his adoring public were oblivious really just reminded me that we never know what’s going on in anyone’s life.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
Any sport going. Sport has been a constant in my life and is essential to keep me happy and balanced. I’m pretty competitive so I love a good match!
What is your mantra for life?
Be kind. Always.
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