The letter of instruction is the foundation of a compliant expert report. It must set out numbered questions for the expert to address, list documents provided, state assumptions of fact, and specify deadlines and funding arrangements.
Numbered questions should be specific and focused — avoid open-ended requests that produce unfocused reports exceeding the Practice Direction 2024 20-page default limit. Each question should be answerable with expert analysis tied to dated sources.
Provide the refusal letter, CPIN (with publication date), witness statements, country guidance decisions, and any relevant tribunal directions. State clearly which facts are assumed for the purpose of the expert's analysis.
Address anonymity where required — experts may need to work from anonymised materials. Confirm LAA prior authority reference for legally aided cases. Specify whether oral evidence at tribunal may be required.