Reaching an objective, fact-based conclusion a court will admit into evidence requires learning how to properly dive into a case. You could start anywhere. But for efficiency’s sake, it’s better to take a step-by-step process that you can document and…

For example, Rule 26(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires witness reports to include a statement of all opinions and the basis and reasons for them. This includes all facts and data considered in forming the opinion, among…

Performing a site inspection for a legal matter for the first time can be intimidating. Whether you’re an expert witness inspecting a workplace, construction site, office building, or hotel, the legal team that hired you is relying on your opinion,…

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure’s Rule 26 and the Duty to Disclose Overall, the Rules can provide information about proceedings that may help orient an expert witness to the process. Rule 26 covers a number of details related to the…

Rule 26(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure mandates disclosure of the expert report to opposing counsel. The report summarizes the expert’s opinions and includes the facts on which the expert relied. Additionally, the report consists of the expert’s…

It’s essential to understand your jurisdiction’s standards for expert qualification—typically Rule of Evidence 702 and admissible scientific testimony. If you’re an expert, the opposing party may challenge your testimony or qualifications. If you’re an attorney, you must establish that the…

Independent medical examinations (IMEs) are a critical part of any personal injury litigation. As the term suggests, an IME is an exam of the injured party conducted by an independent, third-party medical professional. Its goal is to render an unbiased…

Although you’re an expert in your field, perhaps you’re not landing as many expert witness roles as you’d like. Your resume is impressive and you have robust industry experience. So why aren’t more hiring attorneys reaching out? Many experts overlook…

An expert witness’s role is to break down complicated subjects so that triers of fact can make informed decisions. However, sometimes even the most reputable experts in a particular field are not necessarily the best ones for trial.  For instance,…

Serving as an expert witness is akin to running your own small consulting business. You provide unique expertise on short-term projects without being employed full-time by an attorney or firm. For many experts, this flexibility to contribute to legal cases…