I want the TRUTH: Preparing to be an Expert Witness

Overview

Many practitioners dealing with government and not-for-profit issues are asked to serve as expert witnesses in courts of law or other adjudicatory venues.  This session will discuss key issues you need to know when you are asked to serve in this capacity, including:

• Applicable standards and other engagement acceptance considerations.
• Preparation requirements and techniques.
• Dos and don'ts of testifying.
• Avoiding commons traps and tricks designed to undermine your effectiveness.

The session will conclude with a “mock cross-examination” with participants serving as the jury to identify what our witness does right and what he does wrong.

Objectives

• Why testifying as an expert is challenging, but rewarding
• Standards and rules
• Types of experts
• How to prepare to testify
• Reporting rules
• Do's and don'ts of testifying
• Common traps and tricks and how to handle them

Highlights

• Rules of civil and criminal procedure
• Applicable standards
• Testifying basics
• Cross-examination techniques