Common Mistakes to Avoid as an Expert Witness

Being an expert witness is a wonderful way to share knowledge of an area of study. Successful expert witnesses have plenty of experience on how to behave in court and prepare testimony. However, there are some qualities that you would not want in an expert witness, and here they are.

• Relying solely on the attorney - Remember, a witness, is supposed to give an educated opinion on the case at hand. While using the documents provided by attorneys is fine, an expert witness should still use their own research in order to gain a complete understanding of the case at hand. When hiring any expert witness, especially a financial expert witness, make sure they completely understand all details of your case.
• Going beyond their knowledge - If experts begin to argue the case, go against their own opinion, or make statements that seem focused only on one detail, it might be time to get a new witness. All of these things can hurt your case in a number of ways and ultimately lose your case. Experts need to remember they are there to give expert opinion on the evidence and not argue the client’s case.
• Not being relatable enough for the jury - Expert witnesses are there mainly for the jury. They should be able to explain findings about the evidence in a way anyone can understand. With that being said, an expert witness should never talk down to a jury. Juries want to be talked to in a way they can understand, but not in a way that makes them feel like children. Be sure your expert witness has a comfortable, yet professional, demeanor around a jury.

With time, expert witnesses know how to avoid running into problems like these. When looking for a financial expert witness with experience in the field and the courtroom, choose Michael F. Richards for your case. Visit MRichardsConsulting.com and contact him by email here or by phone at (406) 282-6079.

Three Things to Ask When Using Expert Witness Services

Hiring an expert witness is extremely important when building a case. Not asking the correct questions can really hinder this process and ultimately hurt the outcome of your case. Here are three things you should definitely ask about before hiring any expert witness services.

1. What are their qualifications? - Sure they might have experience in the field of your case, but do they have enough experience? Check their academic background, any trainings or certifications they have, and the cases they have previously been in. Even going as far as looking at what academic papers they have published can really show the expertise of who you are hiring.
2. Do they have the right credentials? - Make sure they have disclosed the proper information in court. If not, they may not be allowed to testify or their testimony might be thrown out.
3. Are they truly willing to help? - A good expert witness knows where their services are needed and when to make a referral. Make sure your expert is helping your attorney and attending the right hearings.

There are many other factors to consider when hiring an expert witness for your case. Be sure that you and your legal team do the necessary research before hiring an expert. When looking for expert witness services that specialize in banking and financial matters, choose Michael F. Richards. With over 30 years of banking experience, he is sure to bring the knowledge and professionalism your case needs. Visit MRichardsConsulting.com to contact him today.