Best Practices for Expert Witness Testimony

Expert witnesses play a pivotal role in forensic engineering investigations, particularly during testimony where their credibility, clarity, and professionalism are rigorously tested. This multi-session panel, led by members of the ASCE Committee on Forensic Investigations (CFI), will provide presentation, discussion, and interactive mock testimony of forensic engineers by experienced attorneys. The sessions will cover the basics of deposition and trial testimony with advice, tips, and practical knowledge gained from the presenters’ experiences with legal cases, as well as the evolving role of expert witnesses in the context of digital evidence, remote depositions, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Time will be allotted for open discussion, questions, and case studies where the attendees will question the expert acting as the cross-examining attorney. By fostering dialogue between engineers, attorneys, and forensic professionals, this session contributes to the broader mission of ASCE’s Forensic Engineering Division: to advance the integrity and effectiveness of forensic practice. Attendees will leave with practical guidance, enhanced awareness of legal processes, and a deeper appreciation for the expert witness’s role in achieving just outcomes.

• Basic strategy for testimony at deposition and trial.
• Common difficulties encountered during testimony and tips to make it easier.
• Mock testimony with discussion of good and bad responses.
• Mock testimony with attendees questioning the expert

4 PDHs