Expert Witnesses, Trial Superstars

Tyler Kekewich of the Financial Post details the current state of the expert witness industry, likening experts to "trial superstars." He notes the increasing importance of expert witness testimony to the successful resolution of a case and also highlights the five traits of a successful expert witness:

    1. Highly intelligent - Most expert witnesses are professionals, such as doctors, chartered accountants or scientists.

    2. Inquisitive and thorough - Expert witnesses need an eye for detail. Incomplete, vague, or careless testimony will be picked apart by a skilled lawyer.

    3. Good communicator - Experts must explain technical data and jargon to a wider audience of people who might not understand it.

    4. Concentration and focus - A complex civil lawsuit can drag on for years and an expert's testimony can last days.

    5. Patience and discipline - Experts must often repeat themselves in court so they must be prepared to constantly go back over the same testimony.