Expert Witness Accountant & Litigation Support
When a dispute reaches litigation, the financial evidence has to be independent, rigorous and clearly explained to a court. McManus McCabe provides chartered expert-witness accountants and litigation support to solicitors and their clients across Ireland.
The Expert's Duty Is to the Court
This page is written for solicitors and litigants who need the numbers in a case established, quantified and presented to the standard a court expects. Expert-witness and litigation-support work is a distinct discipline within forensic accounting - and one where independence and chartered standing are decisive.
Independence Is the Point
An expert witness is not an advocate. Their duty is to give the court an honest, objective opinion, even where that opinion does not entirely suit the instructing party. This is not a weakness - it is precisely what makes expert evidence persuasive. We take that duty seriously, which is why our reports carry weight with courts and opposing experts alike.
Working with Solicitors
We work alongside your legal team from early case assessment through to hearing. Early involvement often pays: an expert view on the strength and size of the financial claim can shape strategy, inform settlement discussions and avoid wasted cost. We are used to the pace and formality of litigation and to producing evidence that meets the court's requirements.
| Step | Stage | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early assessment | An initial view on the financial merits and likely quantum. |
| 2 | Instruction and scope | A clear letter of instruction and a written proposal. |
| 3 | Investigation and analysis | Gathering evidence and quantifying the financial issues. |
| 4 | Expert report | A court-compliant, independent report. |
| 5 | Hearing | Presenting and defending the evidence as an expert witness. |
How We Support Litigation
Independent Expert Reports
Court-compliant reports quantifying loss, valuing interests or analysing disputed transactions.
Quantum of Damages
Calculating financial loss on a clear, defensible basis.
Business and Share Valuations for Disputes
Shareholder actions, matrimonial cases and partnership breakdowns.
Fraud Investigation and Tracing
Evidencing accounting fraud and following the money for the case file.
Rebuttal and Review
Assessing and, where appropriate, challenging the other side's expert evidence.
Expert Testimony
Presenting and defending our findings clearly at hearing.
What It Costs - and How We Scope Fees
We do not publish a single price because no two engagements are the same - the fee depends on the size and complexity of the business, the records available and the scope agreed.
After an initial consultation we issue a written proposal setting out exactly what is included, the timescale and the cost, so there are no surprises.
Where an engagement is likely to run in stages (for example an investigation or a multi-year succession), we scope and price each stage separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is an expert witness accountant?
A chartered accountant who provides an independent expert opinion on the financial issues in a legal case - quantum, valuation or fraud analysis - in a court-compliant report and, if required, in oral evidence. Their duty is to the court. -
Can you take instructions from solicitors?
Yes - we regularly work on instruction from solicitors, and can be involved from early case assessment through to giving evidence at hearing. We can also advise clients directly. -
What kinds of cases do you support?
Shareholder and partnership disputes, matrimonial financial cases, fraud and loss claims, insurance disputes and commercial litigation - anywhere the numbers need independent expert analysis. -
How early should we involve an expert?
As early as possible. An expert view on the size and strength of the financial claim can shape strategy and settlement, and early scoping avoids duplicated work later.
Talk to Adrian or Teresa
McManus McCabe is a partner-led chartered accountancy practice in Dublin. Every engagement is handled directly by Adrian McManus (FCCA) or Teresa McCabe (FCA, Dip. Tax) - not passed down a chain - and scoped with a clear, written proposal before any work begins, so you know what it costs, what you get and how long it takes.
Book a confidential, no-obligation consultation to talk through your situation and receive a written quotation.
