What Do Lawyers Look for in an Expert Witness?

Are You The One?

One quick search in expert witness directories is enough to give you hundreds of individuals specializing in certain knowledge area. But not all of these experts are qualified to testify in court.

You may have more experience than the other professional witnesses (other term for expert witness), and it sure earns you additional credit, but it is not an ultimate guarantee. There are other things that lawyers consider before they decide to hire your expert opinion.

But before we go into that, let us just re-instate and reiterate the importance of experts.

The Importance of Expert Witnesses

In countries with democratic judicial system, a dispute is resolved through trial. Both sides present their arguments, which are heard by an objective third-party such as a judge or a jury. This procedure of handling disputes is admirable as it gives both sides a chance to speak up. But sometimes, problems arise when the third-party is not knowledgeable about the subject matter.

So to prevent biased or clouded judgment, an expert witness is called to testify. An expert is an individual who, with his expertise, provides his expert opinion to determine whether the document or evidence presented in court is factual or truthful.

What Lawyers Look for in an Expert Witness

So what do lawyers look for in an expert?

1. Knowledge of the case

An expert needs to know the case very well. His duty is to provide truthful and objective information about the case, so to achieve that, he must be well-prepared and well-researched. He must have the ability to foresee unexpected questions and prepare for objective answers.

2. Truthfulness and objectivity

An expert is hired to assist the court in determining whether a piece of evidence can be admissible in court. For the court to do that, the expert must be honest and objective at all times. He must not be inclined towards either parties, and must answer all questions fully.

3. Work ethics

Lawyers want an expert that they can work with harmoniously. They pick people who are professional and highly dependable.

4. Good communication skills

Lawyers want an expert who can confidently speak and explain difficult concepts before a group of people.

Experts are expected to provide a clear explanation of technical terminologies and other ambiguous terms. They are also expected to clarify confusing and difficult concepts. So to achieve this, an expert witness must be able to express himself clearly and confidently.

Legal Placement Services: The Difference Between Court Reporters and Paralegals   When Should You Contact a Litigation Lawyer?   Collecting an Unpaid Judgment Against a Judgment Debtor Who Uses Several Aliases   

The Help of a School Violence Expert Witness

School violence takes a variety of forms and can happen to anyone. It can be in the form of physical abuse, emotional torture, or even mental abuse. Common examples include bullying and sexual harassment. Aside from the traumatic experience they bring, these acts can have a negative effect on the social, mental, and physical well-being of the victim.

It is for this reason that school violence should be acted upon immediately.

About a few months ago, an interview with a legal education expert was aired on one of the country's most popular news channels. In the interview, the expert said that there are tons of school violence cases that schools are not seriously looking into. Some of them may have implemented certain policies, but still, the issues remain unsolved. Many students, teachers, and school administrators suffer from injurious behavior and other types of bullying, which often result to legal confrontations and court trials.

In these trials, a lawyer of either the defendant's or plaintiff's side often requests for a violence expert. The expert can be a professional who comes from the following field of expertise: psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and other professions that have a direct involvement in the case.

Many of these experts hold different positions in various fields. Some of them are school superintendents, administrators, specialist in legal education, educators, clinicians, experts in safety and supervision issues. These professionals are summoned to give their expert witness testimony regarding the following: the effect of the violent act on the victim, a detailed report on their findings, and perhaps a suggestion to help prevent future violence.

Before a violence expert takes the stand to testify, there are certain qualities that he must possess and certain requirements that he must satisfy. One of these requirements is his track record. He must demonstrate his expertise in court by producing the necessary documents and credentials. The common qualities of school violence experts include the following:

extensive experience in school-related violence cases such as physical abuse, accidents, bullying, and injuries; and years of experience as an expert witness (testimonials, deposition, reports and documentations).

When hiring a school violence expert witness to help you in your case, take a look at his track record. Experienced expert witnesses are not intimidated at the site of a judge. They can confidently provide a detailed account of their findings and recommendations. They remain focused and objective even during tough cross-examination sessions.

Legal Placement Services: The Difference Between Court Reporters and Paralegals   When Should You Contact a Litigation Lawyer?   Collecting an Unpaid Judgment Against a Judgment Debtor Who Uses Several Aliases   

How A Wireless Expert Witness Can Help You

"Wireless expert witness" is the term given to a professional who has spent a considerable number of years working in the field of wireless communications technologies. He is considered an expert, or someone who is more knowledgeable about one or more areas in the industry.

Some of these areas include the following: 3G networks and technology, Bluetooth system, mobile phone billing systems, SMS or text messaging services, smart phone technology and services, wireless terminals, and wireless apps.

Cases or Issues Addressed by Wireless Authorities

When you or your business is involved in a legal case related to wireless communications technologies, your legal team will require you to employ the services of a wireless expert witness. There are several types of services that will be provided for you, and some of them include the following: consultation, testimonial, report writing, and assistance in your legal proceedings.

Here are the different cases that a wireless authorities can you help you with.

1. Service billing errors

In extreme and rare cases, individuals or businesses will settle their billing error disputes in court. Experts can help by analyzing the billing system and where the error emanated (should there be one).

2. Patent disputes

Experts are summoned to provide their expert opinion regarding cases related to patent theft, infringement, or breach of contract.

3. Market analysis

Wireless expert witnesses may be called to court to give their opinion about market trends and their own expert forecast. Sometimes, these pieces of information are needed when one party is claiming compensation for losses or damages.

4. Licensing agreements

Before companies agree to certain terms, they need to consult with a wireless experts to know if they are on the right track. These experts will review the documents or reports presented for veracity and/or accuracy.

5. Quality defects

Almost everyday, companies receive complaints from dissatisfied customers about their products' quality. Wireless expert witnesses are summoned to examine if these claims are valid by looking into past and present data, and by examining the methods and procedures employed.

When hiring a wireless expert witness to help you with your case, here are some guidelines and reminders. First, employ only those with enough experience both as an expert and as a professional. Also, it helps if you take a look at the background of the wireless specialist. Last, hire someone whose given expertise is directly related to your particular case.

Legal Placement Services: The Difference Between Court Reporters and Paralegals   When Should You Contact a Litigation Lawyer?   Collecting an Unpaid Judgment Against a Judgment Debtor Who Uses Several Aliases