What Lawyers Look for in an Expert
Source: Matson, Jack V., Daou, Suha F. & Soper, Jeffrey G. (2004). Effective expert witnessing: Practices for the 21st century (4th ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press LLC. pp. 30-31.
“Individuals with extensive, focused, undiluted experience with the facts and events in dispute
Individuals with maturity who are established and experienced in their career
Individuals who are active and current in their field
Individuals who have earned the respect and recognition of their peers in their area of expertise
Individuals whose relevant area of expertise is undiluted by unrelated degrees and credentials
Individuals who cannot be dismissed as a “professional” witness
Individuals who have no history of having gone on record with any position inconsistent with the position that will be taken during the case in point
Individuals who will be likable and credible to the jurors
Individuals who are flexible, quick on their feet, and non-combative
Individuals who will talk to the jurors, in their own language
Individuals who are good teachers
An individual who is “guaranteed to entertain and interest the jury—the hallmarks of an expert who will be able to persuade””
Source: Crumbley, D. Larry, Heitger, Lester E. & Smith, G. Stevenson. (2005). Forensic and investigative accounting, 2nd ed. Chicago: CCH Inc. p. 8-7.
Source: Burgher, Peter H. (2005). Note to Counsel: Timing Is Important In Selecting an Expert Witness. In Pagano, Walter J. & Buckhoff, Thomas A. (Eds.). Expert witnessing in forensic accounting. Philadelphia: R. T. Edwards, Inc. pp. 103-107.
- R. S. Kulzick – 3/27/2008 -
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