Engaging Experts
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How to Maintain Credibility in Court as an Expert Witness
Your expert’s credibility must withstand scrutiny. They can have all the degrees, publications and talks in the world and still fold under pressure, blowing up your case during deposition or trial.
Understanding the Difference Between Attorney and Expert Responsibilities
Usually, the line between the role of the attorney and the role of the expert is obvious, but there are some points – perhaps based on type of expertise or the rules of the venue – where it can seem a little hazy. The ideal situation is one where the attorney and expert fit together perfectly. They know their roles and responsibilities, and they address those issues with conviction.
Preparing the Expert for a Dependable Outcome
While tempting to skip, prepping your expert for deposition, and direct and cross examinations is necessary.
Telling Your Story
In order for your client to have a successful outcome, the judge and jury need to understand and believe their story. It is worth your time and the expert’s time to make sure everyone is on the same page, follows the same script, knows their roles, and understands where the story is leading when you begin.
Beyond the Paper Qualifications – Making an Expert Witness Match
When searching for an expert witness, creating the match between case requirements and personalities is a complicated process with a bit of art mixed in.
Expert Witness Testimony: Accuracy is Necessary, but Likability is Next Level
There are certain rules you must follow when giving testimony – to tell the truth, to be impartial, to keep to the rules of the court – but it’s important to consider demeanor and delivery as well. And, sometimes, a little levity and civility.
Expert Witness Confidentiality & Privilege
Experts are crucial to a client’s case, but they may not understand the rules in effect for their particular matter. To avoid discovery pitfalls, it is important to set expectations at the beginning of the process. Experts should be asked about the confidentiality rules at the start of any discussion with a lawyer.
How Can Defense Attorneys Prepare for Pre-Trial Publicity?
While some litigation receives little to no attention, allowing the proceedings to play out quietly, other cases catch the eye of the news or the public. When this happens, it is up to the defense lawyer to ensure a fair trial. Because of this, lawyers need the right toolbox to address pretrial publicity before it gets out of hand.
How to Prepare an Expert Witness for Trial
Working with an expert witness is a nuanced process. From search and retention to consultation and trial, there is no one way to ensure a smooth collaboration and successful outcome. However, some attorneys have really honed and refined this process. Recently, we spoke with Brian Weinthal, who is one of the world’s leading experts on…