Remembering a few rules can greatly help in getting the greatest benefit from your expert witness, or, conversely, effectively cross-examining an opposing expert. There are three general areas of expert evidence: (1) Pure opinion expert evidence, (2) Scientific expert evidence, and (3) Non-scientific expert evidence, about which more will be said below. Preparing an expert… read more

Experts who attended the recent SEAK National Expert Witness Conference in Chicago raised some of the most difficult and vexing questions they face. These questions include: Yes or No Questions These questions are asked frequently where there is really not a black/white answer. Experts struggle with these questions. Broad Questions These types of questions are… read more

Persuasive Expert Witnesses: Tips, Techniques and Best Practices Stay on Point Know the entire case, not just your narrow role. Be prepared for the questions from your side. How does your story hold up to the TV images, radio spots and news casts? Criticize your approach/methodology/opinions. Offer a superior approach/methodology/opinions.   Remember your audience is… read more

THE EXPERT WITNESS SELECTION PROCESS 1. Always Ask Where They Found Your Name This is important for determining advertising dollars spent wisely. More importantly it is critical to know how they found you because the provenance of their search adds to your immediate understanding of their future expectations. If they say Charlie Jones referred me… read more

Steven Simring, MD, speaking at the SEAK National Expert Witness Conference, discussed why experts need to listen carefully and not be rushed when answering questions at trial. This is easier said than done under all the pressure of a trial, with so many eyes focused on you.  There is a natural tendency for  an expert… read more

Attorney Quentin Brogdon recently spoke at the SEAK National Expert Witness Conference on Surviving Cross Examination: How Not to Be Embarrassed. He suggested that expert witnesses not fall into one of the following 17 categories:   1.     “Just tell me what I need to say.” 2.     Problems communicating. 3.     Struck by other courts. 4.     No… read more

When expert witnesses undergo a discovery deposition, what are the strategies and goals of opposing counsel? Attorney Quentin Brogdon of the Law Offices of Frank Branson of Dallas, TX dealt with this issue at the SEAK Expert Witness Conference. Attorney Brogdon’s list of 23 discovery deposition goals included:   1.     What the expert looks like… read more

Attorney Quentin Brogdon of Dallas, TX recently spoke on Surviving Cross-Examination at the SEAK National Expert Witness Conference. He recommended that attorneys interview potential expert witnesses to avoid cross-examination problems. Here are the 13 key questions that need to be asked and answered by expert witnesses: 1.  “Are you the best expert witness?” 2.  “What… read more