The opinions of nationally recognized and highly skilled expert witnesses are often well respected by their peers, and are potentially necessary in a court setting. However, on a CV, Expert witnesses must be aware that self-promotion can put their claims on trial, which can be a distraction to the expert's testimony. Experts must demonstrate their expertise on their CV, but not advertise their credentials.

In How to Be a Dangerous Expert Witness, Expert witness trainer Steven Babitsky writes that "experts do not need impeccable 'paper' credentials to be highly effective." Part of being effective is for expert witnesses to be clear about their opinions and testify within their areas of expertise, where they have real-world experience.

In his book, Babitsky demonstrates how self-promotion can lead to an embarrassing cross-examination.

"Counsel: On your CV you list that you are a nationally recognized Expert.

Expert: That is correct.

Counsel: You also don't list presentations given to national groups, do you?

Expert: No.

Counsel: Well, you have testified in over 25 states, correct?

Expert: Yes.

Counsel: Isn't it true that the only people likely to recognize you nationally are hundreds of thousands of lawyers who see your ads soliciting more expert work in the 14 legal magazines you advertise in?"

In this case the expert emphasized that he is a "hired gun" rather than a leading expert.

Clark

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Experts in the Field, Working with RTG

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Credibility
expert witness consultants

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