Litigation Process a.. - The Advocates' Society

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(viii) appointments to lectureship. 32
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
have the expert provide the contextual framework for the testimony (i.e.: a
description of the investigation or examination that the expert was retained to do);
relate the expert’s expertise to the issues in the case to which the expert will opine;
permit the expert to discuss more fully the material aspects of his curriculum vitae
and guide him through the less material parts; and
advise the expert that modesty is not always a virtue-the expert should be confident
to speak about his experiences and training.
It is important to highlight the most relevant aspects of the expert’s curriculum vitae rather than
canvassing every minute detail. At the time that the expert is qualified before the court, his
curriculum vitae will be entered as an exhibit and the fact finder will have it at its disposal for
reference if need be. The expert’s curriculum vitae should, therefore, contain all the information
about the expert that is pertinent to his qualifications and the issues at hand.
Even if offered the opportunity by opposing counsel, do not forego spending some time
qualifying your expert. It is the first chance you have to introduce him to court, demonstrate his
expertise, and get him comfortable on the stand.
Conclusion
An expert who understands the basic concepts concerning his or her role as an expert
will be of true assistance to the Court. They will not be misled by the adversarial process and
will be able to focus on the task at hand; imparting specialized knowledge on a matter of
relevance in an independent and unbiased manner.
32 Freiman and Berenblut, supra note 16 at p. 37.
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