If you find yourself in a legal dispute that ends up in the court system, then there’s a good chance you might need an expert witness to testify in your case. Expert witness services are called upon in many legal proceedings, and they often provide a major impact on the outcome of the case.
In most instances, you would have a lawyer or legal team representing you. They would be responsible for providing an expert witness if one is needed. In any case, you should feel comfortable cooperating with the expert witness. Here are a few things you should expect from an expert witness.
Expertise
An expert witness should have the relevant training, experience, skills, and knowledge that is needed for the legal team, jurors, and judge to evaluate the evidence and to understand and determine the facts of a case. The testimony of an expert witness helps the court make a fair and reasonable decision. A competent expert witness will have usually spent many years working in his area of expertise and will have a reputable name in his field.
A Good Track Record
Good expert witnesses are familiar with legal proceedings and will have spent many hours in a courtroom. They know how to present facts in a trial setting and how to conduct themselves in a professional way. A good expert witness will have provided testimony in successful cases more often than not and will usually be in high demand.
Able To Communicate
In any legal matter, clear, precise communication is a must. Expert witnesses often have to explain complex concepts and procedures in a way that everyone involved can understand. Good expert witnesses understand the power of words and can use them effectively to concisely convey their ideas. They have to be able to write documents that are precise and complete.
Integrity
A good expert witness will hold the respect of colleagues, lawyers, and judges and will be a person whose testimony they can trust. Expert witnesses are honest, fair, and impartial. They stand by their words even when those words might not be agreeable to others. Their opinions carry a lot of weight.
Being involved in a legal dispute and having to appear in court are stressful situations. Having a good legal team and expert witnesses on your side alleviates much of this stress and gives you peace of mind to deal with your predicament.