Our forensic specialists can assist you in your pre-litigation and litigation matters. We have acted in the capacity of the independent expert, independent single expert and Court appointed Expert. This has also involved joint expert meetings and preparation of joint reports.

We understand the Expert’s paramount duty to the Court and the requirements and obligations of complying with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct. This has been developed over the years of our involvement in the court process and our dealings with the client, solicitors and counsel.

Our expert has provided expert witness evidence in Family Courts, High Courts, Supreme Courts, County Courts, Magistrates Courts and Federal Magistrates Courts in both Hong Kong and Australia, including in “hot-tub” (multiple expert) situations.

Economic loss quantification

Economic loss can occur where a party has suffered a loss arising from breach of contract or warranty, misrepresentation or misleading and deceptive conduct. At Sirius, we have the knowledge, resources and experience to quantify economic loss or assess a claim for economic loss. We can also review and critique other experts’ reports.

Litigation support

At Sirius, we understand that commercial litigation is not just about quantifying economic loss. That is why we offer a full range of litigation support services including:

Assistance in formulating the claim or preparing the defence
Analysing and evaluating the other party’s case
Reviewing and critiquing the opposing expert’s report
Assisting with questions for cross examination
Undertaking industry research and presenting this to you in a summarised, easily understood format
Advising on different approaches to calculating loss or damage

Insurance

We can assist insurance companies and insured parties in the quantification of insurance claims for business interruptions

Valuations of business interests

When family dispute arises, legal professionals rely on forensic accountants to provide expert advice in the valuation of business interests.

At Sirius, our professionals have the requisite financial and accounting expertise, having valued businesses in various industries and different financial interest, be they:

Privately operated businesses
Privately owned companies
Parcels of shares in privately owned companies
Interests in partnerships and trusts
Superannuation benefits

It is important to us that our valuation skills are not confined to the court room. As a result, our team prepares valuations for commercial purposes (eg acquisitions and divestments of businesses), for the public arena as well as for litigation.

In adopting this approach, our aim is to provide you with realization valuations that can be relied upon in court. We believe that when coupled with our clear understanding of our role as experts in family law matters, you will get the best possible service.

Other family law services

At Sirius, we understand that family law litigation is not just about providing valuation services. That is why we offer a full range of litigation support services including;

Reviewing and critiquing other expert’s reports
Investigating financial dealings
Assisting in the completion of a person’s financial statement such as Form E’s
Formulating the questions that should be asked in relation to the investigation of financial matters
Assisting in settlement negotiations, including advising on the financial implications of settlement proposals
Assisting in the preparation of financial agreements

Fraud and misconduct investigations

In the event of a fraud, we collect evidence, perform financial analysis, interview witnesses and possible suspects, and collect information from accounting and computer records for civil or criminal proceedings.

Forensic Technology

Our team of Forensic Technology specialists have law enforcement and professional services experience.  Our extensive Australian and international experience means that we are ideally placed to provide expert witness and other investigative services.

Our team specialises in the preservation and analysis of digital evidence through the use of highly technical procedures, utilising recognised industry standard forensic tools.

Litigation & E-Discovery

The forensic technology team specialises in the collection, preparation, review and production of electronic documents for use in litigation, regulatory and corporate investigation matters.   The application of forensic data collection in the course of litigation dramatically increases the available digital evidence for analysis, therefore increasing the chances of a successful outcome.  The team’s combination of law enforcement and corporate investigation experience ensures data is collected with sound forensic integrity whilst minimising the disruption to business continuity.

Search & Seizure

The forensic technology team provides guidance regarding the technical issues to be addressed when drafting applications and affidavits for warrants and search orders.   Incorrect seizure of electronic devices or data could lead to evidence being classified as inadmissible in later court proceedings.  Our forensic specialists provide expert advice during warrant and search order execution to ensure the admissibility of evidence gathered.   Our Australian and international corporate and law enforcement experience ensures data is handled with the highest level of integrity.

Corporate & Regulatory Investigations

We assist government agencies, employers or business owners in investigating suspected criminal activity, breaches of company policy, HR issues and theft of company IP.  Investigating such events without using correct forensic procedures can result in overlooking critical digital evidence or rendering evidence inadmissible.   The sensitivity of internal investigations such as IP theft, industrial espionage, harassment, or employee misconduct may require the search for evidence to be carried out covertly or outside office hours.  Our team’s flexible approach to corporate investigations ensures the most appropriate solution is utilised to meet client requirements.

Incident Response

Our team is able to deploy specialists at short notice to identify potential sources of evidence and maintain its integrity during security breaches or other incidents.   Any delay in responding to a security or policy breach could result in loss of potential evidence and seriously impact data confidentiality, business continuity and limit the capacity to recover financial losses.  If clients are faced with a critical issue that requires urgent IT Incident Response we are able to respond immediately to contain the situation.

Expert Witness

As computers are now an integral part of our everyday working and personal lives, it is increasingly common that some form of digital evidence will be relevant in many cases.  In-depth knowledge of information technologies alone is not sufficient when presenting digital analysis and evidence in legal proceedings; our Forensic Technology specialists have extensive experience in acting as expert witnesses in courts in Australia and overseas.  We have the experience and expertise to be able to identify complex technology related issues and present them in a clear and coherent manner in court proceedings so that all participants are able to comprehend the issues.   Our Forensic Technology team regularly presents to legal audiences and other interested parties on the complex issues surrounding expert witness services in forensic technology.

Data Recovery & Collection

Data loss can result in significant financial and reputational damage plus increased pressure on remaining resources.  This service enables the recovery of data following accidental or malicious deletion, data corruption or device malfunction.   Our forensic technology team understands the importance of your data and maintains strict integrity and confidentiality throughout the data recovery process.