Many practitioners dealing with government and not-for-profit issues are asked to serve as expert witnesses in courts of law or other adjudicatory venues. This session will discuss key issues you need to know when you are asked to serve in this capacity, including:
• Standards and other engagement acceptance considerations
• Preparation techniques
• Do’s and don’ts of testifying
• Avoiding commons traps and tricks designed to undermine your effectiveness
The session will conclude with a “mock cross-examination” with participants serving as the jury to identify what our witness does right and what he does wrong.
Learning Objectives
- Why testifying as an expert is challenging, but rewarding
- Standards and rules
- Types of experts
- How to prepare to testify
- Reporting rules
- Do's and don't's of testifying
- Common traps and tricks and how to handle them
Major Topics
- Rules of civil and criminal procedure
- Applicable standards
- Testifying basics
- Cross-examination techniques
