Engaging Experts

A single magazine ad nudged a young CPA out of audit rooms and into the courtroom—and the lessons since have reshaped how we think about expert testimony. We sit down with Mark Gottlieb, practice leader at MSG and one of Forbes’ top CPAs for valuations, to explore how a forensic accountant turns complex financials into stories judges and juries can trust. From the first conflict check to the last exhibit tab, Mark shows why clarity and ethics are the expert’s real edge.

We unpack the two hats experts wear—consulting and testifying—and why many engagements start under privilege before moving into the spotlight. Mark walks through his preparation process, including drafting direct and cross outlines, building question sets for opposing experts, and sequencing facts so the trier of fact can follow the thread. He explains how standards of value (fair value vs fair market value) change state by state, what that means for valuation modeling, and how courtroom technology—from 80-inch displays to tight visual timelines—can sharpen your message without overcomplicating it.

Newer experts get a candid blueprint for depositions: answer only what’s asked, respect yes/no questions, and avoid volunteering context that can be twisted later. We also dive into practical workflow—initial document requests, follow-up discipline, shared channels, and maintaining momentum across dozens of active matters. Beneath the tactics is a human throughline: mentorship. Mark credits seasoned guides for helping him build a national practice and offers pointed advice for finding your own. If you work with experts, want to become one, or simply care about persuasive, ethical testimony, this conversation delivers tools you can use on your next case.

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more experts and attorneys find us

In this episode…

Today’s guest, Dr. Pavithra Kumar, is a principal at Advanced Analytical Consulting Group. She specializes in the application of economic and financial theory to questions arising in complex security and finance litigation. Dr. Kumar is a published author and holds a PhD in finance from MIT.

Women and minorities make up some of the most accomplished experts in their fields, yet they are often at a disadvantage when attorneys choose expert witnesses, according to Dr. Kumar. It is crucial to remain vigilant of subconscious biases and take positive steps to choose the best person for the engagement, regardless of background. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on being proactive, litigation in crypto, and building relationships as an expert.

Ever wondered what happens when trees become the center of legal disputes? Marty Shaw takes us behind the scenes of his fascinating career as an arboricultural expert witness, where he serves as "the CSI of trees" for courtrooms across America.

Shaw's journey into expert witnessing began unexpectedly while working as a wholesale distributor for tree healthcare products. A chance meeting with an established consultant opened his eyes to a profession where his specialized knowledge could help resolve conflicts and deliver justice. After attending the American Society of Consulting Arborists Academy, Shaw developed the skills to translate complex tree science into testimony that judges and juries could understand.

What makes Shaw's expertise particularly valuable is its rarity. "There's perhaps maybe a dozen people in the whole country that do what I do for a living," he explains, highlighting how he's carved out a specialized niche in arboricultural consulting. When preparing for testimony, Shaw creates detailed reports containing all his opinions and supporting documentation, helping him withstand challenges to his expertise while presenting information clearly to non-experts.

Technology has dramatically transformed Shaw's practice over the years. As the first consulting arborist to regularly use drones, he now captures detailed site imagery that reveals critical information about tree conditions. "It's the most profitable service that I offer and the most useful tool that I own by far," Shaw notes, explaining how drone imagery provides evidence that would otherwise be impossible to collect.

Beyond technical expertise, Shaw emphasizes that successful expert witnessing hinges on relationships. Setting clear expectations, maintaining communication, and showing mutual gratitude form the foundation of productive attorney-expert partnerships. For those considering this career path, Shaw advises patience: "If you're good at it, then the money will come and you'll be able to do it full time. But it does take a while."

Ready to learn more about how expert witnesses shape legal outcomes? Subscribe to Engaging Experts for more insider perspectives on specialized testimony that makes a difference in courtrooms nationwide.

The hidden world of mortgage fraud and litigation comes alive in this eye-opening conversation with Anna DeSimone, owner of Housing Research LLC and a preeminent expert in residential mortgage lending since the mid-1980s. 

The financial services industry presents unique challenges for expert witnesses due to its thousands of state and federal regulations, each with numerous nuances and sub-rules. DeSimone walks us through her process of evaluating cases, from spreading dozens of appraisals across conference tables to identify patterns of fraud to preparing for grueling 12-hour court testimonies. Her insights into how seemingly minor errors can result in multi-million-dollar settlements illuminate the high stakes of regulatory compliance.

Whether you're in the financial services industry, legal profession, or simply a homeowner, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom about the complex interplay of regulations, technology, and human behavior in the mortgage market. Subscribe now to hear more expert insights that go beyond the headlines to reveal the true dynamics of professional fields.

The courtroom can be an intimidating place for anyone—but when Jill Kessler-Miller walks in, she brings 30 years of dog expertise and an uncanny ability to decode what canines are really telling us. As she puts it with refreshing candor, "If I'm an advocate, it's for the dog."

Kessler-Miller's journey from dog trainer to sought-after expert witness began with a simple suggestion from an attorney friend. Today, she navigates cases ranging from dog bites to fatalities, service dog evaluations to animal cruelty investigations. What sets her approach apart is her focus on the dogs themselves. While humans craft narratives after incidents occur, the dogs' behavior reveals the truth—if you know how to interpret it.

The deposition process requires careful preparation and emotional discipline. Kessler-Miller shares practical wisdom gained from countless testimonies: bring multiple document copies, maintain composure despite provocations, and remember to "don't speculate, only answer questions asked, and shut up." She even offers an unexpected pro tip: a roll of pink duct tape makes the perfect spill-proof coffee holder during lengthy proceedings.

For those considering expert witness work, Kessler-Miller offers sage advice: develop emotional resilience, remember criticism isn't personal, and maintain neutrality rather than advocacy. As she reminds us, the most powerful testimony comes not from pushing an agenda but from clearly explaining what happened and why—letting juries draw their own conclusions from properly interpreted evidence.

Ready to explore how expert witnesses can transform your case? Connect with professionals who bring both expertise and integrity to the courtroom through Round Table Group's extensive network.

The journey from law enforcement to expert witness isn't a common one, but for Benjamin Mink, it provided the perfect foundation for becoming a leading voice in DEA compliance and opioid litigation. In this revealing conversation, Mink shares how his background as an Alaska State Trooper and undercover narcotics detective uniquely positioned him to navigate the complex world of pharmaceutical compliance.

Mink's expertise wasn't developed in a classroom—it came through a "baptism by fire" when he joined a pharmaceutical distributor facing serious DEA enforcement actions and congressional investigations. This crisis immersion forced him to quickly master compliance regulations and risk mitigation strategies, skills that would later make him invaluable as an expert witness.

What makes Mink's approach particularly effective is his focus on translation rather than mere information delivery. "A good expert isn't necessarily an encyclopedia," he explains, "it's a good translator, somebody that can break it down to a jury to the point that it's easy to understand." This philosophy guides his preparation for depositions and courtroom testimony, where he strategically studies previous testimonies to anticipate opposing counsel's focus areas.

The conversation also explores practical aspects of expert witnessing—from preparation techniques and billing practices to navigating virtual testimony in the post-COVID era. Mink offers valuable insights for both experts and attorneys on building productive relationships, managing expectations, and the critical importance of careful listening during high-stakes depositions.

Whether you're an attorney working with expert witnesses, an expert looking to refine your approach, or simply curious about how technical information gets translated for juries, this episode offers rare insights into the art and science of expert testimony. Subscribe to Engaging Experts for more conversations with leading voices in litigation support and expert witnessing.

What happens when a seasoned electrical utility professional with 35 years of experience decides to leverage his expertise in the courtroom? Christopher Larson, president of Larson Elite and a certified fire and explosion investigator, shares his fascinating journey into expert witnessing in this candid conversation.

The conversation delves into practical matters essential for anyone considering expert witnessing: establishing non-refundable retainers, determining appropriate billing practices, and avoiding potential conflicts of interest. 

For professionals with specialized expertise considering the expert witness path, or attorneys seeking to work effectively with technical experts, this episode provides invaluable insights into building a successful practice founded on knowledge, integrity, and clear communication. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with leading experts across diverse fields.

When Steve Hopper received an unexpected call from an attorney thirteen years ago, he never imagined it would lead to a second career spanning over 55 cases as an expert witness in warehousing and logistics. Initially skeptical about expert witnessing due to negative media portrayals, Hopper discovered the critical importance of bringing specialized knowledge to judges and juries navigating complex technical issues.

Perhaps most valuable is Hopper's perspective on ethics in expert testimony. "I'm not an advocate for your side of the case," he explains. "It's not my job. You're the advocate, I'm not the advocate." This commitment to factual accuracy has occasionally led him to withdraw from cases where attorneys pressured him to offer opinions he considered unsupported. For professionals in any field considering expert witness work, Hopper's experience provides a roadmap for maintaining integrity while delivering effective testimony.

Considering sharing your expertise in the courtroom? Listen now to discover the realities of expert witnessing from someone who's navigated its challenges for over a decade.

When medical technology and legal expertise intersect, Dr. Linda van Roosmalen stands at that fascinating crossroads. Our conversation dives deep into her journey from university research lab to courtroom expert witness in the specialized field of wheelchair transportation safety.

Dr. van Roosmalen pulls back the curtain on the ethical backbone of expert witnessing. She recounts refusing to alter her professional opinion despite attorney pressure, explaining why integrity isn't just morally right—it's professionally essential. "At all costs, you have to be extremely honest in your opinions," she insists, noting how past statements can return in future cases, making consistency crucial for credibility.

The practical challenges of balancing expert work alongside a full-time career emerge as we explore her methodical approach to case management. Using specialized software to track hours across multiple cases that often span years, she maintains strict separation between her primary field and expert witness specialty to avoid conflicts of interest. Her flexibility—taking calls after hours or on weekends—reveals how modern professionals can successfully maintain dual careers.

Want to learn how expert witnesses can strengthen your case? Contact Round Table Group today and discover why finding the right expertise makes all the difference in complex litigation.

Ever wondered what happens when economics meets the courtroom? Dr. Philip Cross pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of economic expert witnessing with refreshing candor and practical wisdom.

After earning his PhD from the University of Wisconsin and teaching at Georgetown University, Dr. Cross transitioned through major consulting firms before founding his own successful practice. His journey reveals a counterintuitive truth: authenticity trumps polish in the expert witness business. "I've kind of unlearned over the years to try to be slick and professional," he explains. "I'm just myself."

The conversation explores the delicate balancing act economic experts must perform – applying economic expertise across diverse industries without overstepping boundaries, managing different attorney styles from micromanagers to completely hands-off, and navigating the stark differences between plaintiff and defense work. Dr. Cross maintains a deliberate mix of both to protect his credibility.

Perhaps most illuminating is Dr. Cross's perspective on what makes attorney-expert relationships work: clear communication, appropriate boundaries between experts and end clients, and mutual respect for each other's expertise. Whether you're a practicing attorney, aspiring expert witness, or simply curious about how economic analysis shapes legal outcomes, this conversation offers an unvarnished look at a profession few truly understand.