Typos: Another Expert Witnesses CV Tragedy

Typos are important to point out because they undermine your credibility by creating an impression of sloppiness.

Opposing counsel will try to accentuate that sloppiness and add doubt to the expert's credentials. In his book, How to Become a Dangerous Expert Witness, expert training specialist Steven Babitsky demonstrates how typos put an expert's credibility in question.

"Counsel: I have a few questions on your CV.

Expert: Sure.

Counsel: On page 1, it states that you received your PhD in 19999?

Expert: Ahh, I am sorry, that's just a typo.

Counsel: That's a mistake?

Expert: Yes.
Counsel: Like everyone, do you make mistakes?"

To avoid these potentially embarrassing situations, Babitsky says to "have two proofreaders and a word-processing proofing function periodically proof the CV."

Clark