Not all expert witnesses are created equal. While all may be equally knowledgeable, not all of them will create the same impression on the judge and jurors. Read below for the characteristics common to the best expert witnesses.
Knowledgeable
A good expert witness banking needs to know the subject matter about which they have been hired to proffer an opinion. They need to know enough to discuss the issues at hand as well as any related tangents that opposing counsel may bring up on the witness stand. The ideal expert witness also needs to be familiar with courtroom procedures and direct and cross-examination. There is nothing worse than hiring an expert in his or her field who cannot hold their own when in the courtroom.
Confident
Relatedly, an expert witness needs to be confident in his or her opinion and its presentation to the judge and jurors. A witness who doesn’t want to take a decisive stance and prefers to hem and haw before finally arriving at a conclusion will be a witness who will not help resolve the case to the benefit of the party who hired him or her. The ideal expert witness needs to be firm in their opinion and unwilling to budge, no matter how aggressive the opposing counsel’s questions may be.
Personable
Finally, the expert witness must present themselves as someone who the judge and jury want to believe. They need to be friendly and relatable while also projecting in-depth knowledge of the subject matter that is the focus of litigation. An engaging personality, coupled with expertise, will give a witness the type of authority that those in the courtroom will find captivating and agreeable.
Improve the chances of winning the legal battle by hiring an expert witness that is an approachable savant, one that will not hesitate to display their knowledge while simultaneously winning over the public.… Read More..