Engaging Experts

When Dr. Linsey Willis took her first expert witness case in 1998, she had no idea it would launch a decades-long career testifying in cases across the United States. 

With refreshing candor and practical wisdom, Dr. Willis reveals what makes for success in the expert witness arena. Her approach combines rigorous ethics with savvy business practices. "Know what you know and know what you don't know," she advises, emphasizing that genuine expertise—not financial motivation—should drive case selection. This philosophy has served her well across numerous plaintiff and defense engagements in human resources, negligent hiring, and employment matters.

The conversation explores critical aspects of expert witnessing that rarely receive attention: how to vet potential cases through detailed attorney interviews, establish clear payment terms ("I make it very clear that I'm not going to chase down money"), and prepare thoroughly for challenging depositions. Dr. Willis shares war stories from seven-hour depositions where opposing counsel deployed intimidation tactics, and explains how she maintained her composure throughout.

For both attorneys seeking experts and professionals considering expert witnessing, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating "bulletproof" reports, navigating attorney relationships, and maintaining ethical standards in a demanding field. Whether you're a seasoned expert or considering your first case, you'll come away with practical strategies for more effective expert testimony.

What truly separates effective expert witnesses from those who merely possess technical knowledge? According to family law attorney Carl Taylor, it comes down to the expert's ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives that connect with judges and juries.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Taylor draws on over 15 years of courtroom experience to share what attorneys really look for when selecting expert witnesses. Beyond credentials and expertise, he emphasizes the importance of what he calls "authority assets" - the publications, speaking engagements, and thought leadership that establish an expert's ongoing relevance. Perhaps most surprising is his insight that vulnerability between attorneys and experts often leads to stronger working relationships and more effective testimony.

Whether you're an attorney who works with expert witnesses, an expert looking to improve your effectiveness, or simply curious about how complex information gets translated in our legal system, this episode offers valuable insights into a critical but often overlooked professional relationship. Taylor's unique perspective as both a family law attorney and a publisher helping experts create authority assets makes this a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in the intersection of expertise and persuasion.

Professor Lynn Rosenblum takes us behind the scenes of expert witnessing in the toy industry, revealing how deep subject matter expertise transforms into compelling testimony. Her path from Mattel's Director of Marketing to Associate Professor of Toy Design at Otis College has given her a unique vantage point on the industry she loves. Drawing from experiences manufacturing toys in eleven countries and working with companies of all sizes, she brings unparalleled knowledge to her role as an expert witness. "I am the history of toys," she shares, highlighting how her lifetime of experience creates authoritative testimony.

The conversation delves into practical wisdom on navigating depositions with confidence, building rapport with legal teams, and balancing academic responsibilities with expert witness engagements. Her approach to preparation stands out—reading every document, examining physical samples, and maintaining professional poise under pressure. For attorneys, her insights on working effectively with experts prove invaluable, while professionals considering expert witness work will appreciate her candor about billing practices, preparation routines, and maintaining ethics throughout the process.

Whether you're a practicing attorney seeking to better understand the expert witness perspective or a professional wondering how your specialized knowledge might translate to the courtroom, this episode offers both practical guidance and inspiration. 

Ready to discover how expertise becomes evidence? Listen now, and learn why knowing your subject matter deeply remains the foundation of effective testimony.

From accidental courtroom testimony to becoming "The Privacy Professor," Rebecca Herold's journey into expert witnessing began when the FBI sought her evidence in a criminal case involving her home's previous owners. This unexpected experience revealed her natural talent for explaining complex matters under pressure—a skill that would define her future career.

With over 35 years in information security and compliance, Herold has established herself as a sought-after expert witness specializing in digital privacy, online tracking, and regulatory compliance. Her approach stands out for its unwavering commitment to honesty.

Maintaining expertise in such a rapidly evolving field requires constant education. Herold starts each day reviewing news about security breaches, lawsuits, and regulatory changes. Her background as an adjunct professor and author of 22+ books provides the foundation for explaining technical concepts in accessible ways to judges and juries with varying levels of technical understanding.

For those entering the expert witness field, Herold emphasizes understanding the specific scope and goals of each engagement. Rather than presenting everything you know—a tendency among academics—effective expert witnesses focus precisely on what's relevant to the specific legal questions at hand.

Join us to discover how digital privacy expertise translates into effective courtroom testimony, and why maintaining professional integrity remains essential in this complex and evolving field. Subscribe to Engaging Experts for more insights from top specialists across diverse professional domains.

What happens when decades of Wall Street experience meets the witness stand? Mike Evans takes us behind the scenes of financial expert witnessing in this revealing conversation about bridging the gap between complex regulatory requirements and practical implementation.

Drawing from his extensive career at Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and BNP Paribas, Evans explains how he transitioned from compliance officer to expert witness. His journey offers insight navigating the delicate balance between technical expertise and effective communication. "The compliance angle is how these things get implemented," Evans explains, highlighting the unique value he brings to legal proceedings where understanding the gap between written policies and actual practice often determines case outcomes.

The conversation delves into practical aspects of expert witnessing that professionals rarely discuss openly. From managing relationships with attorneys and negotiating clear engagement terms to preparing for testimony and maintaining composure under pressure, Evans shares candid insights gained through real-world experience. His approach to testimony—making eye contact with finders of fact, speaking clearly, and maintaining unwavering integrity—provides a roadmap for aspiring expert witnesses.

Perhaps most valuable is Evans' philosophy toward expert work, encapsulated in his father's advice: "Say what you mean and mean what you say." This commitment to consistency and truthfulness allows him to navigate complex cases with multiple attorneys while maintaining credibility. For attorneys working with financial experts and for professionals considering expert witnessing, this episode offers rare insights into effective collaboration at the intersection of finance and law. 

Subscribe now to continue learning from leading experts across diverse fields.

In this episode…

Our guest, Chuck Malkus, is the president of Malkus Communications Group, a marketing, public relations, and reputation management firm. He’s a published author, ethics speaker, and sought-after expert witness. 

Delivery is everything, according to Mr. Malkus. Whether facing a judge, jury, live or over the Internet; a confident demeanor pay back dividends. Outline your three most important points, and be prepared to deliver them in a way which quickly resonates. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on tight deadlines, being prepared for intimidation, and scoping out the venue in advance. 

When scientific expertise meets the courtroom, how do complex concepts translate to juries with no specialized knowledge? Dr. Nicholas Money, a distinguished mycologist and professor of biology at Miami University, navigates this challenge regularly as an expert witness in cases involving fungal contamination.

Dr. Money's journey into legal testimony began almost twenty years ago after publishing a book about indoor mold during a surge in litigation concerning mold contamination in buildings. Since then, he's provided expert testimony for both plaintiffs and defendants in roughly equal measure, maintaining a steadfast commitment to following scientific evidence regardless of which side engages him.

The art of explaining mycology to non-scientists forms the cornerstone of Dr. Money's effectiveness as an expert witness. Drawing on his experience as an educator, he transforms complicated scientific concepts into accessible explanations without sacrificing accuracy. "Science should be accessible to the general public and members of a jury that have got no real scientific training," he emphasizes. "If I can't explain it to a very broad audience, then I failed as a teacher."

Visual aids prove particularly valuable in this translation process. Dr. Money often creates his own demonstratives—charts, tables, and photographs—to illustrate mold contamination levels and compare cases. These visual tools help bridge the gap between scientific understanding and jury comprehension, especially when dealing with invisible threats like airborne fungal spores.

For aspiring expert witnesses, Dr. Money recommends studying depositions from established experts and developing strong written report skills. The unpredictable nature of legal proceedings requires flexibility and thorough preparation, especially when facing cross-examination that might probe potential weaknesses in scientific arguments.

Whether you're an attorney working with expert witnesses or a specialist considering legal testimony, this conversation offers valuable insights into the crucial role scientific expertise plays in our legal system and how to effectively communicate complex concepts when the stakes are high.

In this episode…

What happens when a seasoned commercial litigator steps into the expert witness chair? Erik Groothuis takes us behind the scenes of this fascinating professional duality, sharing candid insights from his journey navigating both roles in the legal system.

Having spent decades as a practicing attorney before adding expert witnessing to his repertoire, Groothuis offers a refreshingly practical perspective on what truly makes an effective expert. Contrary to conventional wisdom, he reveals that communication skills often trump pure subject matter expertise. "It's about storytelling," he explains, highlighting how the ability to translate complex concepts for judges and juries separates mediocre experts from exceptional ones.

The conversation takes surprising turns as Groothuis shares his evolving views on virtual testimony. Despite initial skepticism about remote proceedings, he's discovered they often run more efficiently than traditional court appearances. From the elimination of travel time to streamlined exhibit sharing, this shift represents a permanent evolution in how expert testimony gets delivered – one that experts and attorneys alike should embrace.

Perhaps most valuable are Groothuis's tactical insights on expert witness preparation, engagement structures, and maintaining credibility across cases. He emphasizes the importance of having experience on both plaintiff and defense sides to avoid being labeled a "hired gun," while offering practical advice on billing arrangements and pre-testimony rituals. The discussion culminates with his perspective on why expert witnesses remain crucial to the legal process: they can "tie the whole story together" in ways fact witnesses simply cannot.

Whether you're an expert witness looking to sharpen your approach, an attorney seeking to better utilize experts, or simply curious about this specialized field, this episode delivers practical wisdom that only comes from someone who's truly lived both roles. Listen now for a masterclass in expert testimony from someone who knows the game from every angle.

In this episode…

Our guest, Captain John Cox, is the CEO of Safety Operating Systems, a full-service aviation consulting firm. He is the recipient of the FAA’s Master Pilot Award, an analyst for numerous news media organizations, and a published author. Captain Cox holds an MBA in Aviation Management from Daniel Webster College. 

It’s important to know what your area of specialty is within your field, according to Captain Cox. Even if you have broad knowledge across many related areas, it’s best to take cases that are squarely within the bounds of your experience and expertise. 

Check out the whole episode for our discussion on keeping your billing rates simple, two-way communication, and getting feedback after your engagement ends.

In this episode…  

Comfortable is credible, according to Dr. Dobson. She advises strong familiarity with your audio and video setup, so you aren't fumbling about during remote sessions. Additionally, she recommends that experts practice not only what they say, but the pronunciation and manner of delivery 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on social media versus publication, acting as a rebuttal witness, and knowing your worth.  

About our guest:

Dr. Leslie Dobson, is a clinical and forensic psychologist with a private practice. She is an expert in forensic psychology focusing on civil law and forensic evaluations for sexual abuse allegations. Dr. Dobson holds a Doctor of Psychology from Loma Linda University.