The Forensic Expert Witnesses Association (FEWA) and The Chicago Bar Association (CBA) have joined forces to offer a two-part workshop to guide Illinois judges and attorneys alike in determining how expert testimony should be conducted and regulated. The program will consist of a series of live demonstrations by experts and respected Judges.

FEWA member, Scott Greene, shares tips to help protect yourself and your data in this issue’s Member Editorial Corner. For over 35 years, Scott Greene has been helping owners, CEOs, managers and IT departments understand data. Scott Collects, Analyzes, and Explains Complex Electronic Evidence in Plain English. He was the founder of Great Scott Enterprises, Inc, which provided superior computer consulting services.

At FEWA you become part of a community of experts who allow you to stay current on topics that can impact how and why you do your business. Don’t wait to renew your 2021 membership! Log in to your account on the FEWA website to submit your 2021 membership dues, update your Find an Expert directory listing information, or purchase additional listing categories. For renewal questions, contact FEWA at info@forensic.org or by calling 312-981-6780 (weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Central Time).

FEWA member, Deborah Dickson, CPA, CFF, MAFF, founded the firm Smith Dickson, Certified Public Accountants, LLP, 30 years ago and continues to serve as the managing partner. Her experience includes forensic accounting and expert testimony for over 20 years. Learn more about Deborah below.

Agrochemical and agricultural giant Monsanto has asked the Ninth Circuit to overturn a $20 million jury verdict, arguing that the district court judge allowed the jury to hear from an unreliable expert witness.

It's getting to be that dreaded time of year. If you send holiday cards, that is. Don't send something that's easy to toss. Consider your own inbox (real and digital). How many cards do you get? What do you keep and what do you toss? I guarantee, a few standout cards, written by hand, to your best clients or your target clients, will make a greater difference than hundreds of something common and impersonal. Here are some proven ideas for getting more cases.

As an expert witness, you’re retained to assist attorneys in understanding case facts, chronologies, and industry standards that impact case strategy. And if the hiring attorney intends to have you testify at the trial, they must also supply the opposition with a written expert report where you detail your testimony topics. The information presented in expert reports can have major sway in the outcome of a lawsuit and, as such, there a number of expert-writing best practices to keep in mind. Here, we’ll walk through the most important techniques to ensure a persuasive and thoughtfully composed expert report.

Even before the retainer, an attorney-expert relationship will most likely begin with a phone call. For starters, an attorney isn’t going to hire an expert they’ve never spoken to before. But more importantly, they need to ensure an expert is knowledgeable, reliable, and on the same page for how to attack the case. These brief introductory calls—usually 15-20 minutes—are akin to a job interview. The attorney assesses the expert’s fit for the case and determines if this is someone they could work well with for several weeks or even months. This working relationship feel is especially important for cases that may have extended timelines.

When it comes to car accidents, medical claims, employment claims, business lawsuits, or real estate issues, a credible expert witness can go a long way towards supporting your client’s case. But how do you find someone who actually supports your case and doesn’t become a distraction? Expert witnesses have the power to help your case in several key ways.