Engaging Experts

In this episode…

Today’s guest, Steve Reese, is the CEO of Reese Energy Consulting, a full-service consulting firm serving the energy sector, and Reese Energy Training. He is an expert in natural gas contracts, energy marketing, sales contracts, and more. Mr. Reese holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. 

Experts should review the pleadings before accepting an engagement, according to Mr. Reese. Doing so ensures that you are comfortable putting forth your opinion in service of the engaging attorney’s conclusion. This may require some convincing and a non-disclosure agreement, but Mr. Reese finds it worthwhile. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on direct client engagements, late payments, and understanding the limits of an attorney’s technical knowledge.

In this episode...
Today's guest is Frederick Fisher, founder of Fisher Consulting Group, a loss control and prevention consultancy, as well as an expert in risk management and compliance. He is a sought-after speaker, presenter, and holds a JD from Lincoln University Law School. 

Expert witnesses are not advocates, according to Mr. Fisher. Winning the case is the purview of the attorney, not the expert. Answering questions truthfully, while not volunteering more than is asked is the key to a successful expert witness performance. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on cross-examination tactics to look out for, the impact of technology on experts, and rush-jobs.

In this episode…

Our guest, Dr. Chris Daft is Dr. Daft is an award-winning physicist and engineer with expertise in medical imaging, semiconductors, signal processing, and more. He is a published author and holds over 15 patents. Dr. Daft holds a PhD in Materials Science from Oxford University.

Engaging parties who try and negotiate rates are a red flag, according to Dr. Daft. He believes that budgetary constraints can get in the way of thoroughly focusing on the case, and effectively completing your engagement, which is unfair to the end client, and can affect your reputation.

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on AI’s role in expert witnessing, working before administrative boards in patent disputes, and working remotely.

In this episode...

Today's special guest, Professor Emeritus Edward Lamoureux reveals what can go wrong during an expert witness engagement.

Upon receiving a call for a potential engagement, Professor Lamoureux responded emphatically that he was not the right person for the job. Nevertheless, with the attorney's insistence, he agreed to accept the engagement.

Check out the entire episode for the story of what went wrong, and what precautions experts can take to avoid similar situations.

In this episode…

Dr. James Pastor is the principal expert at SecureLaw LLC, a security and legal consultancy. He's a security expert with a broad background, ranging from police work to academia. He's a published author, a sought-after public speaker and of course, an expert witness. Dr. Pastor holds a PhD in public policy analysis.

Do not, under any circumstance, work without a retainer, according to Dr. Pastor. He believes that your credibility and the engaging lawyer’s respect for your experience are embodied in retainers, and agreeing to one gets the employee-expert relationship off on the right foot. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on avoiding premature opinions, Zoom depositions, and conceding less-than-ideal facts. 

In this episode…

Our guest, Ms. Merrill Cohen, is a vocational consultant and life care planner for Strategic Consulting Services. She’s an experienced expert witness in both federal and state court and a certified rehabilitation counselor and certified life care planner. Ms. Cohen holds a master's in counseling from Seattle University.

It’s easy to get shaken up as a new expert, according to Ms. Cohen. She recalls getting annoyed at opposing counsel when they’d ask the same question over and over, changing a word or two to try and obtain a different answer. These days, it’s just a matter of answering honestly, “you get paid for every time you have to answer”, she reasons. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on red flags, freebie consultations, and controlling your testifying demeanor.

In this episode…

Our guest, Dr. David Stephens, is a biochemist, health physicist, and environmental and forensic consultant. He has worked with the Health Department on numerous matters, including radioactive materials licensing, and he has served as an expert on cases ranging from clandestine drug lab analysis to environmental risk factors. Dr. Stephens holds a PhD in Biochemistry from UT Austin. 

Don’t start working until you have a signed contract, according to Dr. Stephens. It can be tempting to try and be overly helpful on initial calls and conversations, but it is important to get paid for any work you do in service of the end client. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on making it through slow periods, good communication, and staying current.

In this episode… 

Today, we feature two guests on the show: Tom Demont and Mark Stuart. 

Mr. Demont is the President of Technical Services, Inc., and a 50-year veteran of the locksmithing and security professions. He has written for numerous trade publications and is an experienced expert witness.  

Mr. Stuart is the President of Associated Lock Forensics, a full-service expert witness consulting firm; and Emerald Coast Fire Door Inspections. He is a locksmith as well and holds a JD from Woodrow Wilson College of Law. 

Obtaining and maintaining certifications is the key to credibility with engaging attorneys, according to our guests. In trades like locksmithing, certifications take the place of academic credentials, and quickly communicate your wheelhouse, and your commitment to staying current in your field. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on billing for different activities, going to settlement, and developing conclusions in expert reports. 

In this episode…

What truly makes the attorney-expert relationship work? In this revealing conversation, host Noah Bolmer sits down with two veterans of expert testimony, forensic psychologist Dr. Jolie Brahms and insurance expert Kevin Quinley, to unpack the nuances of this critical professional partnership.

The discussion takes us behind the curtain of expert witness work, revealing what both sides should know but rarely discuss openly. From that crucial first phone call where relationships are established to the diplomatic art of declining problematic engagements, our guests share candid insights about navigating the complex human dynamics at play.

Both experts emphasize that respectful communication, clear expectations, and professional boundaries create the foundation for successful collaborations. They reveal the red flags that signal problematic engagements, share strategies for delivering unwelcome opinions, and offer practical advice for working effectively with diverse legal teams.

Particularly valuable is their guidance for newer expert witnesses. Technical expertise alone isn't enough – successful experts need emotional intelligence, communication skills, and thick skin. As Dr. Brahms eloquently puts it: "We're keeping alive our judicial system, which is what makes us a democracy." This perspective elevates expert testimony beyond mere transaction to a crucial component of justice itself.

Whether you're an attorney who works with experts, an expert witness yourself, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of our legal system, this conversation offers rare insight into relationships that shape courtroom outcomes. Subscribe to Engaging Experts for more illuminating discussions with the professionals who help determine the course of litigation across America.

In this episode… 

Today’s guest, Sheila Lowe, is the owner of Sheila Lowe and Associates, a handwriting authentication and behavioral profiling firm. She’s a published author of handwriting analysis books as well as mystery novels. Ms. Lowe holds a master’s in psychology from California Coast University. 

Take physical presence into consideration when billing, according to Ms. Lowe. She offers a flat rate for remote testimony, and a separate hourly rate for in-person appearances. Additionally, a non-refundable retainer prevents attorneys from using her name to draw settlements without paying. 

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on repeating mistakes, the benefits of settlements, and telepresence considerations.