Fact Finding: Locating and Researching People: Finding Experts

There are many considerations that go into selecting an expert for a legal case. Consider the following in order to select the best expert for you and your case:

1. Does the expert have the proper qualifications? Check out a prospective witness's Curriculum Vitae (CV). Pay special attention to past expert witness experience, publications, and certifications. If you are searching for a medical expert, be sure to assess the type of medical education obtained, including residency experience. Experts that teach at professional institutions are a plus. 
2. Is the expert still practicing in their field? This can impact a witness's credibility at trial. If the expert makes their income ONLY on expert testimony, they are generally considered less credible. 
3. Are the expert's expectations in terms of fees, phone calls, trial testimony, timeline for review, etc. workable for you? Experts are often busy and you should consider their ability to give the time and attention to detail necessary for your case. Additionally, experts can have very specific guidelines/protocols and be unwilling to accommodate you if you need something outside of those limitations. Finally, an expert's fees may not within your client's budget. 
4. Is the expert able to accommodate your expectations? If you are working within a tight timeline, be sure to discuss that timeline with a prospective expert to make sure they can accommodate you. Additionally, be sure to communicate your expectations as they relate to your need for phone conferences, deposition/trial availability, independent examinations of persons/evidence, or whatever else you may need your expert to do over the course of your case. 
5. What is the expert's history of being an expert? You should investigate a prospective witness's history of being an expert witness, including whether they primarily testify for the plaintiff or defense. Someone that has testified on both sides is generally considered to be more credible/less biased. Additionally, be sure to check out prior reports, depositions, and/or trial testimony from your expert to evaluate their expertise as it relates to the needs for your case.
6. What does Google say about your expert? Be sure to do a Google sweep. Unpopular opinions or news stories may surface about your prospective witness and be a key reason to go another route.

See the sources below for more information on expert witnesses.