Better understand the expert witness lifecycle from finding the right expert for your case to ensuring your expert’s opinion is admissible at trial.
Expert opinion is often required in complex litigation of all types, with expert witnesses playing an increasingly important role in case development, discovery, motion practice and trial strategy. Understanding how to identify, vet and retain experts, and the fundamentals of expert discovery leading to trial is essential to successfully litigating or defending against claims of all types. This presentation will provide attorneys and legal professionals with an overview of the expert witness lifecycle from finding the right expert for your case to ensuring your expert’s opinion is admissible at trial. The live webinar will discuss expert reports, deposing opposing experts, and challenging expert witness opinions before trial.
Agenda
Expert Identification and Vetting
- Sources of Experts, Which Vary Depending on Subject Matter, Including Expert Firms, Universities, Institutions, Industry Experts
- Vetting Before Retention, Including Review of Prior Testimony, Challenges to Admissibility of Opinions, and Other Potential Sources of Perceived Bias
Expert Discovery and Reports
- Opinion Development, Including Review of Materials, Site Inspection or Sampling/Testing
- Report Drafting and Exchange Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Taking and Defending Expert Witness Depositions
- Preparing Your Expert for Deposition
- Defending Your Expert in Deposition
- Taking the Deposition of the Opposing Party’s Expert
Pre-Trial Motions and Trial Testimony
- Challenging Expert Witness Opinion Pre-Trial
- Presenting Expert Testimony at Trial
- Challenging Expert Testimony/Opinion at Trial
Speakers
Kelsey Tavares,
DLA Piper LLP (US)- Litigation associate in the Product Liability, Mass Torts & Class Actions group
- Significant experience with dispositive motion practice, fact and expert witness development, bellwether analysis and selection, coordination of discovery requests and responses, depositions, and trial preparation
- Advises clients on risk management and regulatory compliance, including compliance with federal, state, and local agency regulations and guidance promulgated by the FDA, FTC, TTB, and CPSC
- J.D. Degree, Harvard Law School; B.A. Degree, University of North Carolina at Asheville
Allexanderia Bingham,
DLA Piper LLP- Associate with DLA Piper
- Experienced litigator whose practice focuses on the defense of product liability, consumer class actions, and complex commercial disputes in the life sciences, medical device, and consumer goods industries
- Advises and defends consumer goods clients against claims related to PFAS and emerging contaminants
- J.D. degree, California Western School of Law (cum laud); B.A Degree, California State University, Fresno (magna cum laude)
Emily Marshall,
DLA Piper- Associate attorney in DLA Piper’s Product Liability and Mass Tort practice group
- Represents clients in all areas of civil and commercial litigation and is experienced in all phases of litigation, including trying cases
- Advises clients on internal claims handling processes and procedures, as well as non-litigated claims involving consumer electronics, medical devices, and other household products
- J.D Degree, Ava Maria School of Law; B.S Degree, Brigham Young University
Tia Nguyen,
DLA Piper LLP (US)- Associate in DLA Piper’s litigation and regulatory practice group and labor and employment practice group
- Represents companies in class action suits, including data security and consumer protection claims, as well as contract and property disputes
- Counsels’ clients on various labor and employment issues, including internal investigations, employee handbooks and policies, and harassment and discrimination allegations
- J.D. Degree, University of Washington School of Law; B.A Degree, University of California at Davis (cum laude)
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for paralegals, legal assistants, associates, and other legal professionals.
