Mike Stern began with Round Table Group in January 2001 as Vice President of Litigation. As Round Table Group has grown, Mike's role has expanded, and he is now Senior Vice President of Expert Services. In this role, he continues to provide our attorney clients with access to the expert witnesses they require. He does this by defining their expert witness search requirements and working closely with them from the beginning of their expert search process and all the way through their retention of a Round Table Group expert witness.

Over his many years with Round Table Group, Mike has had a hand in training every vice-president in this company and his experience with literally thousands of clients and experts gives him a unique and insightful perspective into the expert witness industry. I sat down with him and asked him a few questions.

What do you see as the most significant change in the expert witness industry?

"Attorneys are aware of the value of expert referral firms and are making greater use of them.  Our business has grown impressively. Clients are also more exacting in their requirements but at the same more cost conscious.  As law firms arbitrate more, they need expert to prepare, but seem to reach resolution more frequently."

 Are there common mistakes expert witnesses make, that perhaps can be avoided?

"Experts must review and tailor their CVs to meet stated requirements.  The CV is the only tool for securing an interview and if it doesn't show you are a fit, you will not have a chance to fill in the blanks and explain in an interview. It is important that you listen to the attorney in the interview and, when speaking, be direct and to the point. You should not express opinions on the merits in CVs nor accept engagements for which you do not have the time. Be conservative in your billing rates and be prepared to negotiate them further. It is very important not to conceal negatives about yourself; attorneys will uncover them during due diligence."

What is the best advice you would give to a newly retained, first time expert witness?

"Again, listen to the client and let the client know that he is the most important client you have. Discuss scheduling with the client frequently so you can make yourself available for the client as the litigation timetable changes. Always tell the truth to the client, in deposition, reports and trial and keep all information confidential."

Do you see any industry trends in the near future that may be pertinent to experts?

"Clients are more demanding than ever and require the best experts and are happy to be assisted by expert referral services.  For some engagements, the location of the expert is less important than his or her qualifications due to the speed of electronic communications. Clients now are more frequently requiring a budget from an expert, often before hire. Too high a cost may kill an engagement."

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