What Makes a Great Expert Witness? Look for the Four C’s

Expert witnesses are key in the courtroom, as more complicated disputes need clear explanation to a jury. But, there’s little agreement on what makes a great witness. GLG Law’s David Solomon gives four characteristics to look for—clear communication, coachability, confidence, and candor.

Ask a dozen lawyers what makes a dream expert witness, and you’ll get 12 different answers.

Some dislike using first-time experts without testifying experience; others prefer the lack of a record to attack. Many avoid academics (fearing an “Ivory Tower” problem); others prefer the professorial approach to “teaching” a finder of fact about a difficult subject.

Virtually all litigators agree that experts must be credible and knowledgeable in their area of specialty—and that a great expert is an essential element to obtaining a favorable resolution in complex litigation.

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