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Forensic & Expert Witness Community

The future of forensics

Author: Sam Edwards, Senior Communities Executive

Published: 29 May 2024

The Forensic & Expert Witness Community recently hosted a webinar on how technology is reshaping forensic accounting and what the future of forensics looks like.

Steve Molloy, Director, Accuracy, Claire Morel de Westgaver, Director, International Arbitration, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Harry Trick, Senior Manager, Forensic Services, FRP Advisory discussed in depth how forensic accounting is intertwined with the advancement of technology and forensic tools.

With these advancements, deeper investigations are possible, such as the ability to access newer methods of communications – particularly short message data (Slack, WhatsApp, Skype), ultimately allowing forensic accountants to detect more sophisticated financial crimes.

A useful overview of how AI is currently being used in legal cases and how this might evolve.

Delegate The future of forensics

Our speakers also explored the impact of AI on law and dispute resolution by analysing recent trends in arbitration. They discussed the benefits and risks of using AI tools in arbitration, the importance of AI in evidence, such as using AI to draft witness statements, deepfakes, and a call to forensic experts to help assess the credibility of evidence.

When we talk about the use of AI in litigation arbitration, we’re not just talking about the future. This is already happening, and the use of AI has already had an impact on evidence.

Claire Morel de Westgaver

If you missed this incredibly useful and interesting webinar or simply want to rewatch, you can do so here or by visiting the Forensic & Expert Witness webinar page, which includes a back catalogue of previous events.

Networking event – 13 June

Community members will also have the opportunity to network with other community members on 13 June at Chartered Accountants’ Hall, as we host Kathryn Britten, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners, who will deliver a talk on the Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses (ERE).

The ERE was launched in May 2022 as a way of improving the visibility and representation of women in all sectors, as expert witnesses. We are delighted to announce that ICAEW has signed up to this pledge, joining more than 1,500 signatories and more than 130 organisations across the globe.

Tickets are limited and will operate on a ‘first come first served’ approach – so don’t miss out. You can secure your ticket here:

Annual conference – 12 November

The Forensic & Expert Witness advisory group are also happy to announce that the annual conference will be returning for 2024 and will be held on Tuesday 12 November. Members are encouraged to save the date and look out for incoming communications regarding the event. Members who wish to do so can sign up for notifications by visiting the booking page: