2024 Podcast Highlights: Expert Voices Reframing Today’s Litigation Challenges

Elevating Expert Performance: Skills That Defined 2024

Across 2024’s episodes, guests emphasized preparation as the hallmark of effective expert work—from rereading case files ahead of deposition to crafting reports that withstand rigorous scrutiny. Experts reiterated the importance of understanding attorney expectations, identifying knowledge gaps early, and maintaining disciplined communication. Many also highlighted the growing need to manage fast‑moving information, whether in fields like technology, emerging financial systems, or medicine.

Insights Across a Broad Spectrum of Disciplines

This year’s discussions featured a striking diversity of expertise, including software development, building codes, environmental engineering, intellectual property, meteorology, forensic accounting, jury research, transportation safety, financial services, advertising, medical specialties, food marketing, and more.

Across all disciplines, shared themes emerged:

• Experts must communicate clearly and avoid over‑explaining.
• Staying current, whether in tech, science, or law, is essential to credibility.
• Collaboration and honest dialogue with attorneys shape the effectiveness of any engagement.
• Composure during cross‑examination remains a crucial skill, regardless of field.
• These perspectives demonstrate how foundational expert skills adapt to the unique demands of each specialty.

Seasoned Guidance: Lessons From Experienced Experts

Veteran guests stressed that being an expert witness requires more than subject‑matter knowledge. It demands emotional intelligence, neutrality, and restraint. Many described the importance of:

• Reading everything attorneys send, no matter how long the record.
• Asking clarifying questions before drafting reports.
• Remaining honest about one’s expertise and limitations.
• Building strong professional relationships that set the tone for effective testimony.
• Experts also noted the importance of self‑awareness: demeanor matters, both in person and over Zoom; jurors rely on clarity and relatability; and experts must recognize when to decline work that falls outside their true qualifications.

Highlighted Episodes Worth Exploring

Below is a look at some of the standout conversations that capture 2024’s most meaningful takeaways:

Technology, Software & Intellectual Property

• Dr. Istvan Jonyer – Identifying attorney knowledge gaps early to prevent over‑explaining complex technical concepts.
• Dr. Edwin Hernandez – Staying ahead in fast‑moving fields like AI and machine learning through continuous research and industry engagement.

Engineering & Environmental Sciences

• John Catlett – “Prepare, prepare, prepare”—rereading materials and minimizing reliance on reports during testimony.
• Dr. Stephan Athan – Using relatable analogies and clear communication to strengthen juror understanding in technical cases.

Finance, Economics & Business

• Sameer Somal – Emphasizing professional relationship‑building as essential to expert success and lead generation.
• Glenn Bierman – Leveraging visual aids to communicate complex financial concepts to lay audiences effectively.

Law, Policy & Regulatory Practice

• Professor Jorge Contreras – Maintaining neutral, defensible expert opinions by questioning attorney influence during report drafting.
• Professor Gregory Ogden – Tailoring approach across venues where expert reports may or may not be required.

Health, Medicine & Scientific Fields

• Dr. Stephen Cohen – Managing overwhelming EMR data loads by strategically filtering information with support staff.
• Jonathan Klane – Using storytelling and narrative framing to help juries internalize technical safety and scientific information.

Communications, Jury Research & Media

• Dr. Ellen Leggett – Coaching experts to enhance likeability and credibility by acting as their “first juror.”
• Jon Bond – Using principles from advertising to create clear, concise, and persuasive testimony.

Specialty Areas

• Kathryn Arnold (Entertainment) – Structuring retainers to reflect seniority and influence, especially when expert reputation alone may drive settlement.
• George Reis & Professor Marom Bikson (Panel) – Building strong expert‑attorney relationships and spotting red flags early.

These episodes reflect a year defined by adaptability, clarity, and the constant pursuit of stronger expert‑attorney collaboration.