{"id":2018,"date":"2026-03-02T00:31:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T00:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orgs.law.harvard.edu\/hialsa\/?p=2018"},"modified":"2026-03-29T15:39:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:39:18","slug":"the-hearing-game-mastering-cross-examination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orgs.law.harvard.edu\/hialsa\/2026\/03\/02\/the-hearing-game-mastering-cross-examination\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hearing Game: Mastering Cross-Examination (Priscila Hirschheimer)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Priscilla Hirscheimer<sup data-fn=\"2366e986-a6cd-499c-a442-1585d40fa1ce\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#2366e986-a6cd-499c-a442-1585d40fa1ce\" id=\"2366e986-a6cd-499c-a442-1585d40fa1ce-link\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On February 17, the Harvard International Arbitration Law Students Association (HIALSA) hosted the third session of its Masterclass Series, titled\u00a0<em>\u201cThe Hearing Game: Mastering Cross-Examination.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Held at Harvard Law School, the event brought together leading practitioners and arbitrators to explore the strategies, preparation, and practical realities of cross-examination in international arbitration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The panel featured:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sarah Reynolds, FCIArb \u2013 Arbitrator and Counsel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0Kevin Nash \u2013 Director General of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0Simon Consedine \u2013 Partner, Three Crowns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0Ana Sofia Sapina-Errecart \u2013 Associate, Sidley Austin (Moderator)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Constructing the Cross-Examination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The discussion began with the process of constructing an effective cross-examination. Panelists emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing the case documents and identifying inconsistencies between the witness\u2019s public statements and\/or publications and the documents filed in the arbitration. Preparation, they noted, reduces the risk of unexpected developments during the hearing. The more prepared counsel is, the fewer opportunities there are for surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Witness statements were highlighted as a foundational element of cross-examination. Because cross-examination is often built around these statements, careful drafting are essential. However, as hearings frequently occur nearly a year after statements are submitted, witnesses may forget what they stated or feel anxious and disconnected from the record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid this problem and ensure the best preparation, one practitioner described a practical strategy: providing witnesses with all documents that reference their name or that they reasonably should know, organizing them chronologically, and reviewing them regularly with the witness. Although witnesses may initially struggle with the large quantity of materials, this structured approach ensures that the witness is well prepared. Practicing potential questions further strengthens this preparation so the witness feels fully prepared during the hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Mock Trials and Aggressive Style<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The panel addressed the role of mock cross-examinations. Some lawyers adopt an aggressive style during cross-examination, which can intimidate witnesses. Mock sessions can therefore serve as valuable training tools. By simulating the pressure of a real hearing, they motivate witnesses to take preparation seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the discussion acknowledged jurisdictional differences. While mock cross-examinations are common practice in the United States (and may even be considered malpractice if not conducted), they are not authorized in certain jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom. Therefore, it is important to understand the rules of the jurisdiction in which a new case is filed so that the proceedings are conducted accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Deciding Whether or Not to Cross-Examine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As discussed by the panel, one of the most important questions an attorney must ask before the hearing is:&nbsp;<em>Should you cross-examine the witness at all?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the panel, cross-examination should only proceed if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>there is a procedural issue that remains unproven;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a document involving the witness requires emphasis before the tribunal; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a point essential to the closing argument remains unresolved and could be affected by that witness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If none of these apply, cross-examination may be unnecessary. When it is warranted, it should be \u201cshort and sweet\u201d: precise and surgical rather than expansive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Cross-Examining Experts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike cross-examining fact witnesses, cross-examining experts presents its own challenges. As discussed by the panelists, many lawyers find it intimidating and may hesitate to call expert witnesses. In complex international cases, experts often possess similar credentials, making direct credibility attacks often ineffective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The panel suggested that the most effective approach is usually to focus on methodology. The main opportunities for challenge often arise from incomplete factual assumptions or flawed analytical methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. The Cross-Examination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The panel also explained to students where cross-examination fits within the procedure of a hearing. Typically, examinations begin with direct examinations, which are usually brief and focused primarily on confirming the witness statement. It is followed by cross-examinations, which are often extensive and organized by themes (e.g., factual disputes or foundational arguments).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During cross-examination, counsel must avoid assuming answers and instead actively listen. Some practitioners rely on word-for-word scripts, while others prefer flexible outlines. Each approach has advantages, but the panel highlighted that effective cross-examination demands attention in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for predictability, panelists estimated that approximately three-quarters of hearings unfold largely as expected. The remaining quarter can diverge, sometimes in startling ways, such as when a witness signs a statement without fully understanding its content. The formal setting of the hearing room and the pressure involved can also prompt unexpected behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. A Career in International Arbitration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The session concluded with an encouraging note for students. For those drawn to oral advocacy, international arbitration offers significant opportunities: often more than traditional litigation. It also allows practitioners to begin developing advocacy experience at a relatively early stage in their careers.Overall, this masterclass delivered on its promise to reveal strategies, preparation techniques, and practical realities of cross-examination\u00a0\u00a0in international arbitration.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-footnotes\"><li id=\"2366e986-a6cd-499c-a442-1585d40fa1ce\">VP of Events, HIALSA <a href=\"#2366e986-a6cd-499c-a442-1585d40fa1ce-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 1\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Priscilla Hirscheimer On February 17, the Harvard International Arbitration Law Students Association (HIALSA) hosted the third session of its Masterclass 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