Headshot of Alfie Payne

IT Expert Witness for tech disputes & Technical Director

London-based IT Expert with cross-disciplinary expertise spanning data analytics, software engineering, web platforms, systems integration, and data privacy regulatory compliance. I act on instructions worldwide, delivering expert evidence throughout tech dispute proceedings and supporting corporate transactions, alongside providing direct advisory services to enterprise organisations.

Areas of Core Competency

I have worked as a Technical Director in web and software development agencies, eCommerce retailers and SaaS companies. I provide expertise and opine on the following core areas. If it is not clear whether a matter would fit into one of these areas, do not hesitate to seek clarification.

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Software and Web Engineering

With a background in building and reviewing complex software and web platforms and applications, I’m able to analyse how systems are intended to function and identify where defects, poor-quality code, or development failures have occurred. This allows me to provide clear, defensible opinions in matters involving disputed functionality or delivery issues.

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System Architecture

I design and troubleshoot large-scale architectures and multi-system integrations, giving me insight into how systems interact, where bottlenecks emerge, and why failures occur at an architectural level. I can assess whether design decisions, integration methods, or configuration choices contributed to the issues in dispute.

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Data Warehousing & Reporting

My experience developing data warehouses and analytics frameworks enables me to trace data flows, examine the reliability of datasets, and assess whether reporting outputs can be trusted. I investigate questions of data accuracy, loss, manipulation, or operational impact where data-driven decisions are challenged.

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eDiscovery & Digital Forensics

Having worked with Relativity, Exterro, X-Ways and similar tooling, I conduct forensic examinations of devices, platforms, and datasets to determine authenticity, manipulation, provenance, and metadata integrity. I have supported cases involving disputed emails, messaging records, screenshots, log files, version control systems, and database artefacts.

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Privacy & Compliance

I have supported organisations through FCA, ISO and UK data protection compliance regimes, allowing me to assess whether systems and behaviours meet required standards. I provide opinions on adequacy of controls, breach causation, governance failings, and the technical reasonableness of an organisation’s actions in regulatory contexts.

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AI, Automation & Technical Governance

My work with AI systems and automated decisioning tools allows me to evaluate model behaviour, governance structures, transparency, and emerging regulatory obligations. I have designed and implemented controls against algorithmic bias, unexpected outputs, and assisted implementing frameworks for organisations deploying AI technologies.

I am also a member of the British Computing Society, the Society for Computers and Law, the Institute for Engineering Technology and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. I am studying for the Civil Law Expert Witness Certificate issued by Cardiff University and Bond Solon.


I regularly attend and speak at industry events, including delivering a 2025 TEDx talk on AI in Chicago.

Representative engagements

I’ve led and supported a wide range of digital and technical transformation projects across multiple industries, including:

High Court Evidence on Bank Account Authenticity

Instructed in a matter involving a major bank to determine whether an individual had ever held an account or funds with the institution. Conducted a full technical investigation and produced a CPR-35 compliant expert report.

Software Copyright & Source Code Integrity

Acted as a litigation consultant in a high-profile US copyright dispute involving allegations of code manipulation and disputed authorship. Advised on version control systems, commit integrity, source and object code analysis, and DNS forensic evidence, with findings presented through memoranda, expert declarations, and technical presentations.

Assessment for Messaging, Email & Screenshot Manipulation

Supported matters involving alleged manipulation of communications across WhatsApp, Telegram, email platforms, and device databases. Conducted detailed forensic reviews, created NLP similarity scoring tools, and contributed to DIAC-compliant and CPR-35 compliant reporting on authenticity and manipulation risks.

Data Security & Storage Technology Expert Opinion

Assisted a testifying expert with a desktop and CPR-35 compliant report assessing hardware encryption standards, data storage technologies, and supplier alignment with relevant security requirements.

Enterprise CRM, ERP & Digital Migration Programmes

Led technical due diligence, vendor selection, and implementation oversight for large-scale CRM and ERP programmes, including data migration strategies, stakeholder management, and development of business-critical analytics suites for multi-site organisations.

Tracking Design for High-Volume Systems

Architected and implemented high-volume user tracking for a major hospitality venue's ticketing platform, handling over 16 million transactions within 48 hours. Ensured tracking integrity while maintaining system performance under extreme load.

Key Skills

Programming &
Development

Proficient in Python, C++, PHP, JavaScript, and Liquid coding languages.

Cloud
Infrastructure

Skilled in cloud architecture and Google Cloud-certified solutions.

Data &
Analytics

Experienced with SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Looker Studio for insights.

Machine
Learning

Applied R and Python to develop predictive and analytical models.

eDiscovery &
Forensics

Proficient with Relativity, Exterro, X-Ways, and other forensic platforms.

Industry
Engagement

Regularly speak on software, AI, and data privacy topics globally.

As a Member of the British Computing Society, I'm an expert in software, cloud, data analytics and machine learning. I also have experience in eDiscovery tools and industry speaking, including a 2025 TEDx talk on AI.
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Deepen Your Technical Perspective.

In collaboration with IT Witness, we provide our clients with direct access to independent technical analysis and expert witness insights. Navigate a comprehensive library of forensic case studies, cyber-liability frameworks, and judicial commentary authored by the UK’s leading technical practitioners.

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Deepen Your Technical Perspective.

I run the IT Witness website, where I collate and publish the latest opinion and findings relating to where IT Expertise has been used throughout legal cases throughout the world. It contains a comprehensive library of forensic case studies, cyber-liability frameworks, and judicial commentary authored by the UK’s leading technical practitioners.

How I Work With Clients

I focus on bridging complex technology issues with legal requirements. My engagement model is flexible, designed to provide clarity at every stage of a dispute.

Advisory & Strategy

Enterprise IT Consultancy

I support organisations with complex technical challenges spanning architecture, software engineering, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance. My engagements often involve system reviews, vendor oversight, technical due diligence, and the turnaround of projects that have stalled or underperformed.

Pre-Dispute & Advisory

Sometimes, I am asked to advise at an early stage where technical concerns have emerged but litigation has not yet commenced. This includes clarifying the technical issues, assessing potential risks, identifying causation, and helping legal teams or executives understand the technical reality.


Expert Witness Services

Party-Appointed Expert

I act as an independent expert providing CPR-compliant written evidence and, where required, oral testimony. My work includes analysing the technical matters in dispute, addressing competing expert opinions, and presenting clear, robust reasoning to assist the court or tribunal.

Single Joint Expert (SJE)

I am able to act as a Single Joint Expert where parties require just one independent expert to assess the technical issues and provide an impartial view. In these engagements, I work with all parties to deliver fair and authoritative conclusions.

Arbitration Proceedings

I support domestic and international arbitration matters, including DIAC, ICC and ad-hoc tribunals. My role typically involves assessing the technical evidence, preparing structured expert reports, and participating in hearings to clarify complex technical topics for arbitrators.