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Professional Analytical and
Consulting Services, Inc.

Expert Witness and Legal Case Support Work for Scientists

Upcoming Dates

PACS Course Number 2065

9 AM to 5 PM

Many scientists have a real potential of being an expert witness at some time in their life. Typically a scientist finds themself in this expert witness situation, but is ill-prepared to appreciate the typical consequences and directions that these cases take. This course is designed to provide information for scientists, to prepare them for what to expect and how to evaluate their performance during expert witness practices.

After completing this course, participants will have an appreciation of the roles and liabilities involved with providing expert witness services. They will have a realistic overview of the course of legal cases — When to take cases and when not to… How to state opinions and conclusions in a defensible manner. If you need to prepare for a role as an expert witness, if you want to start an expert witness practice, or if you just want an overview of the expert witness process, this course is for you. This course provides for a beginner level and has no prerequisites.

Course Registration is available. You may also register through an associated conference registration. Send it with a payment of $1250 to secure your course attendance. Hotel information and a map will be sent to confirm your registration. Please list your special interest(s) on the registration form. Enrollment is limited to assure your maximum course benefits. On-site PACS courses are available (most PACS courses can be provided at your time and place). Telephone PACS at 1.724.457.6576 if you need further information. PACS also provides laboratory testing and consulting services.



Expert Witness and Legal Case Support Work for Scientists

Course Instructor: Dr. Henry Nowicki

Course topics
Introduction
The well written report
Legal requirements
Working with counsel
Formatting and proofing
Disclosure of documents reviewed
Qualifications of the expert
Expressing factual assumptions
Staying within expert’s true area of expertise
Stating opinions
The importance of research
What not to include in a report
Defending the expert report
Discoverability of expert reports and related material
Attorney-client privilege
Work product protection
Nontestifying experts
Testifying experts
Oral and draft reports
Legal requirements and Rule 26
Rule 26 and supplemental Rule 26 reports
Timeliness
Requirements under state law
Vulnerability on cross-examination
Formatting
Looks: font, spacing, cover page, numbering
Content: concise paragraphs, executive summary
Summary judgement reports in the form of affidavits
Properly disclosing documents reviewed
Thoroughness
Numbering lists
Including and including, but not limited to Relevant portions of Missing records and documents not reviewed
Stating the expert’s qualifications accurately and objectively
How to best express and document detailed and specific factual assumptions
Provide detailed and specific information
Citations to information source
Incorrect factual assumptions
Reliability of data and information
Dates
Information supplied by retaining counsel
Importance of staying within area of expertise
Provide detailed and specific information
Citations to information source
Incorrect factual assumptions
Reliability of data and information
Stating opinions and conclusions in a defensible manner
State opinions clearly, with confidence
State reasons for opinions
Failure to disclose
Documenting a reliable methodology
How to use citations to bolster credibility
Citing authority properly
Consequences of failure to cite specifically
Quoting authority: text, codes, articles
Making your report powerful, persuasive and understandable
State things clearly and directly
Do not guess
Avoid boilerplate language
Avoid absolute words
Do not use emphasis in expressing findings
Use active voice and precise language
Define technical terms and jargon
Not to be included in report
“Friendly language” directed at counsel
Letterhead
Cover letters
Discussions with retaining counsel
Red-Flag words to avoid
Proofreading for mistakes
Substantive mistakes
Bad grammar
Typographical errors
Spelling and Run-on sentences
Defeating Counsel’s Tactics
Tactics
Legal requirements
Accuracy and objectivity
Unearned designations or degrees
Knowledge of literature
Model reports to review
Recommended Reading List


Upcoming Expert Witness and Legal Case Support Work for Scientists:

No Events

Contact PACS to register and/or to confirm course events.


 

View the PACS Short Course Calendar–>

Course participants are encouraged to e-mail questions:

George Nowicki
Lab Manager
E-mail: George@pacslabs.com

Rich Capp
Office Administrator
E-mail: Rich@pacslabs.com

Send samples and postal inquiries to:
PACS, Inc.
409 Meade Drive
Coraopolis, PA 15108

Other PACS contact information:
Phone: 1-724-457-6576 or 1-800-367-2587
PACS website: https://pacslabs.com

Please list your special interest during registration. We will try to accommodate your interest.

Training is an Investment in employee employer Future!