Expert Witness Blog
Practical guidance for expert witnesses — testimony, report writing, depositions, fees and building a successful practice.
September 5, 2014
Expert Witness Cross Examination Advice From SEAK
VIDEO - Jim, what are the three most important things expert witnesses need to know about cross examination?
Hi. My name is Steve Babitsky. I’m the president of SEAK. I’m here today with my partner Attorney James Mangraviti from SEAK. We’re going to be talking about an extremely important topic for expert witnesses; cross examination. Jim, what are the three most important things experts need to know about cross examination? Jim Mangraviti: Sure. Thanks for the question, Steve.
Read moreSeptember 5, 2014
Questions an Expert Witness May Be Asked at Deposition
VIDEO - Learn about the core areas of expert witness depositions and what experts need to know in each of these core areas.
My name is Steve Babitsky I’m the president of SEAK, I’m here today with Jim Mangraviti my partner at SEAK and we’re going to be talking about an important topic about expert witness depositions. Jim, could you please talk about the core areas of depositions and what expert witnesses need to know in each of these core areas? Jim Mangraviti: Sure.
Read moreSeptember 4, 2014
Expert Witness Depositions
VIDEO - The 3 most important things that experts need to know about their expert witness depositions.
Expert Witness Depositions Hi, I’m Steve Babitsky, President of SEAK, Incorporated. I’m here today with Attorney James Mangraviti, and we’re going to be talking about expert witness depositions. What are the three most important things that experts need to remember about expert witness depositions? Jim Mangraviti: Okay. I would say things that I teach my experts over and over again,
Read moreMarch 19, 2014
Some of the non-verbal messages that expert witnesses send
The jurors tend tol trust their readings of nonverbal behavior clusters or patterns more than a specific single nonverbal cue.
OSHA and safety expert witness Chip Darius explains. Q. What are some of the non-verbal messages expert witnesses send? Non-verbal communication is a complex area of study. We perceive non-verbal messages in how a person is dressed, colors and styles of clothing, physical appearance, posture while walking and sitting, facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice, rate of speaking, and
Read moreMarch 19, 2014
Why jurors like some expert witnesses and not others
Experts should be calm and comfortable in the courtroom, but poised and interested in the proceedings. Facial expressions and gestures also change a lot, frowns and smiles, head and body positions, in response to the questions being asked and replies being given
Excellent communication skills is crucially important for expert witnesses who wish to excel. OSHA and safety expert witness Chip Darius explains. Q. What factors make an expert witness likeable in the minds of jurors? The expert needs to be more than simply likable. Jurors connect well when the expert is likable, honest, sincere, understandable, natural and relaxed. A natural and
Read moreMarch 19, 2014
How expert witnesses can get off to a strong start on direct examination
Three main points come to mind. First, prepare a report and know it cold. If retaining counsel has not asked for a report, prepare a summary of expert opinions to ensure all opinions are addressed. Second,
OSHA and safety expert witness Chip Darius explains. Q. How can experts get off to a strong start on direct examination? Three main points come to mind. First, prepare a report and know it cold. If retaining counsel has not asked for a report, prepare a summary of expert opinions to ensure all opinions are addressed. Second, organize and be
Read moreMarch 19, 2014
Why communication skills are important for expert witnesses
The best expert witnesses are master communicators. They are in command of their written, spoken, and non-verbal communication, and must be able to communicate in a way the judge and jury will receive and understand.
One of the things accomplished expert witnesses learn quickly is: how you say it is just as important as what you are saying. Excellent communication skills is crucially important for expert witnesses who wish to excel. OSHA and safety expert witness Chip Darius explains. Q. Mr. Darius, Why are communication skills important for expert witnesses? The best expert witnesses are
Read moreMarch 19, 2014
Tips Expert Witnesses Can Use to Make Their Testimony Understandable
The best expert witness is an effective “story teller” who comes across as genuine. Being unprepared, verbose and overly technical gives the appearance of arrogance.
The saying among trial lawyers is that it does not matter how much an expert witness knows if he/she cannot explain it to a jury in a way they can understand. Geoscientist and geologist expert witness Robin Franks explains. Q. Ms. Franks, why is it so difficult for some expert witnesses to make their testimony understandable? Some forget to use
Read moreMarch 18, 2014
Why Expert Witnesses Need to be Worried About Daubert Hearings
These experts need to be concerned and protect themselves according to the US Department of Justice Attorney Adam Bain. What can expert witnesses do to protect themselves from Daubert disqualifications?
How concerned should expert witnesses be when they are challenged in a Daubert hearing? These experts need to be concerned and protect themselves according to the US Department of Justice Attorney Adam Bain. Here is what Attorney Bain had to say on the subject. Q. Attorney Bain, why are Daubert hearings becoming increasingly important for expert witnesses? Daubert hearings are
Read moreMarch 18, 2014
Should expert witnesses try to persuade the jury and if so how?
Jury consultant Edward Schwartz, PhD explains; It is not the expert’s job to persuade anyone of anything. Too many experts try to be advocates...
Expert witnesses and attorneys understand that often how the expert himself may be just as important as what they have to say. Jury consultant Edward Schwartz, PhD explains. Q. Should expert witnesses try to persuade the jury and if so, what techniques are effective? It is not the expert’s job to persuade anyone of anything. Too many experts try to
Read more