When Vetting Expert Witnesses...

 

Relying solely on licensing boards to vet expert  witnesses is like judging a book by its cover – you might miss crucial chapters of inconsistencies, undisclosed conflicts, and a history that could sink your case.

When vetting expert witnesses to ensure credibility and minimize risk, attorneys should review the following:

a) search past testimony and involvement in prior cases for inconsistencies, frequency of retention, or potential bias;

b) examine peer-reviewed articles, books, or public statements for positions that may contradict current opinions;

c) identify patterns in how the expert performs under examination or how their testimony has been challenged;

d) confirm active licensure and check for sanctions or disciplinary actions through relevant state or professional boards;

 e) investigate organizational memberships or consulting roles that may pose conflicts of interest;

 f) review interviews, social media activity, and public commentary for any material that could affect credibility;

 g) disclose and evaluate payments received from parties with vested interests in the litigation.

In high-stakes litigation, there is simply no substitute for knowing exactly who your expert is—and who the other side’s expert claims to be.

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