2023 Podcast Highlights: Expert Witness Insights That Defined a Transformative Year

Round Table Group’s 2023 podcast season delivered an exceptional collection of conversations with experts spanning cybersecurity, engineering, public health, finance, supply chain, technology, crisis management, and more. These episodes captured the evolving challenges experts face and the strategies they use to excel: on the stand, in their reports, and in their work with attorneys. The result is a rich library of practical wisdom for both litigators and expert witnesses.

Mastering the Craft: How Experts Strengthened Their Approach in 2023

Throughout the year, experts emphasized the importance of preparation, clarity, and disciplined communication. Many described sharpening their report‑writing processes, refining their testimony techniques, and using mock examinations to anticipate opposing counsel’s strategies. Others stressed the value of early engagement, expectation‑setting, and staying within one’s true area of expertise. Together, these insights highlight how top experts build credibility, maintain composure, and deliver reliable opinions in high‑stakes settings.

A Global Mosaic of Expertise: Perspectives Across Dozens of Disciplines

The 2023 lineup brought together specialists from cybersecurity, maritime economics, retail, technology, engineering (mechanical, electrical, biomedical, water resources, and more), public health, supply chain management, crisis communications, forensic accounting, valuation, entertainment, insurance, and sports management.

Across such diversity, common themes emerged:

• Experts must balance confidence with humility.
• Simplicity and clarity are essential for juries.
• Staying current through research and continuing education is non‑negotiable.
  These cross‑disciplinary lessons showcased the traits that define effective expert witnesses, regardless of field.

Real‑World Wisdom: What Veteran Experts Want Every Professional to Know

Seasoned experts shared how their careers were shaped by trial experiences, tough cross‑examinations, dynamic case conditions, and the need to maintain ethical rigor. Many underscored the importance of thorough preparation, reading every document, understanding case context deeply, and being honest about limitations. Others highlighted the emotional resilience required in expert work, from staying unfazed by aggressive questioning to managing expectations when outcomes are uncertain. Collectively, their stories offer a grounded, practical guide for experts at every stage.

Episodes That Capture 2023’s Most Compelling Insights

Below is a curated sampling representing the breadth of this year’s conversations:

Cybersecurity & Technology

• Dr. Eric Cole – On CIA‑level preparation, building effective expert reports, and navigating modern cyber cases.
• Bob Sherwood – Why extreme preparation, organization, and teamwork elevate expert performance.
• Dr. Chuck Easttom – Staying in one’s lane, managing cross‑examination pressure, and establishing expertise credibly.

Engineering & Technical Disciplines

• Ravi Iyer – Four rules for expert communication, including clarity, restraint, and likeability.
• John Abraham – Simplicity, composure, and case‑wide contextual understanding.
• Dr. David Williams – Why experts should not focus on “winning,” only on providing uncompromised scientific opinion.
• Dr. David Bizzak – Mentorship, observation, and courtroom learning for new experts.

Economics, Finance & Business

• Laura DiBella – Insights from maritime, port, and economic development domains.
• Dr. Elliot Fishman – Bringing finance theory and practical experience to major cases, including Madoff‑related litigation.
• Terry Stroud – The role of meticulous preparation and ethical clarity in financial expert engagements.

Health, Public Safety & Compliance

• Jim O’Reilly – Lessons from decades in regulatory law and public health.
• Jean Acevedo – How to vet cases, manage attorney relationships, and maintain independence.
• Dr. Hervey Segall – The importance of curiosity, research, and lifelong learning.

Litigation Communication, Crisis Response & Media

• Jonathan & Erik Bernstein – Communicating complex issues clearly for lay audiences and courts.
• Michael Primeau – Precision in answering only what is asked and crafting ethical, readable reports.

Specialized Fields & Unique Perspectives

• Gary Bell (Product Safety) – Balancing confidence, emotion, and courtroom demeanor.
• Edward Yee (Appraisal) – Calm presence, audience awareness, and staying current.
• Professor Gil Fried (Sports Management) – Combining academic rigor with industry practice to build credibility.

These episodes reflect the depth and diversity of Round Table Group’s expert network and illuminate the evolving realities of expert witness work today.