This past year has brought many challenges caused by a global pandemic impacting our economy and lifestyles. Despite it all, FEWA remains committed to keeping our community safe and supported with every decision we make. As we move through this pandemic together, I want to thank each of you for your hard work and perseverance, and to reflect on what guides our decision-making during this challenging time.

The events of the past year or so have probably made most of us realize how good we had it before the unthinkable, to most of us, occurred. It is hoped that now, a better time is arriving, as we feel the easing of some of our worst worries, with vaccinations, outdoor group activities, the unmasking of our faces, and the ability to congregate & travel a bit more again; many things will go back toward what we remember as normal, and some things may stay changed.  Our fond memories and those new changes will make our membership in professional associations more valuable than ever.

Do you know of someone who has gone above and beyond recently? Let us recognize their professional contributions by featuring them as the FEWA Member Spotlight in our bi-weekly newsletter! If you have someone in mind, send their name and accomplishments to info@forensic.org.

The FEWA e-newsletter is distributed twice a month – that’s 24 opportunities for you to contribute an article, news item or event notice for our newsletter! We are always interested to hear about your experiences as an expert witness and legal consultant, whether you are just starting out your career or are a seasoned expert. The Forensic Expert Witness is the perfect place to write an op-ed style article about it to share your insights with other experts, and gain visibility for your FEWA profile and expertise.

Submit your community editorial to the FEWA National Staff by email here. Happy writing!

David Neagley has over thirty-three years of architectural design and construction administration experience with all building types, including educational, medical, R&D, corporate, commercial, custom residential, multi-family housing, military and industrial projects, totaling over 18 million square feet. Emphasizing use of durable, low maintenance materials including stainless, copper, bronze, zinc, cement-fiber, plastics, composites, specialty sealants & industrial paints. Recipient of the American Institute of Architects Foundation Award in 1983. Learn more abuot David below. 

Your FEWA membership includes a number of benefits, including a listing in the FEWA Online Directory and an Enhanced Online Profile. Enhanced Online Profile allows members to improve their visibility to members of the legal community who are seeking experts by making effective enhancements. Are you making the most of your Directory listing? Do you have an Online Enhanced Profile? Take advantage of these benefits today!

Acting as an expert witness requires developing new skills and processes. It isn’t enough that you’re well educated, highly trained, and knowledgeable in a specific subject. Reaching an objective, fact-based conclusion a court will admit into evidence requires learning how to properly dive into a case. You could start anywhere. But for efficiency’s sake, it’s better to take a step-by-step process that you can document and replicate.

Experts' meetings are a crucial stage in litigation. The Civil Procedure Rules indicate that the court may direct a discussion between experts (CPR 35.12) but in clinical negligence cases it normally does. Following their discussion, experts prepare a 'joint statement' for the court setting out those issues on which they agree and those on which they disagree, with a summary of their reasons for disagreeing. Joint statements are the last opportunity for experts to set out and explain their opinions (which they may not be able to expand on at trial). 

An expert's final opinion often culminates in a written report. Depending on the jurisdiction, the report has its own substantive requirements and disclosure rules. For example, Rule 26(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires witness reports to include a statement of all opinions and the basis and reasons for them. This includes all facts and data considered in forming the opinion, among other requirements.

What is the role of expert witness in court? An expert witness in law is a person with many years of experience, skills, and expertise in a particular field. Expert witnesses help the court in many cases, supporting the jury in understanding complex and nuanced information. Besides, expert witnesses provide credible and objective knowledge and collaborate with the legal team to strengthen the case. For example, forensic expert witnesses play a crucial role in civil and criminal cases by providing evidence-based information. 

Performing a site inspection for a legal matter for the first time can be intimidating. Whether you’re an expert witness inspecting a workplace, construction site, office building, or hotel, the legal team that hired you is relying on your opinion, professionalism, and expertise to support their injured client. Click below for a checklist to help you prepare for your first site inspection.

The CFLC credential recognizes that certificants are familiar with duties and responsibilities of providing forensic, consulting and expert witness services in litigated claims. Additionally, the CFLC credential signifies that in addition to meeting FEWA's experience and membership requirements, these CFLCs have further met minimum continuing education requirements in the CFLC Core Program. Learn more below.