Dr Mumford has produced a comprehensive guide to aspiring medicolegal experts which is thought provoking and essential reading for any practitioner in the medicolegal process. He has covered all main problems and possible pitfalls encountered when a doctor is instructed as an expert, pointed out ways to avoid embarrassment or worse, highlighted the mindset likely to be encountered in a court, whether from a judge or counsel, and given clear guidance on the personality types likely to be on parade, whether in the guise of the legal personnel or medical opponent.

From my standpoint as counsel there are several essential elements to consider whenever an expert is called for; some already covered, but a few need further highlighting.

Dr Mumford has modestly omitted to mention an essential quality in an expert …