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In courtrooms across the country, cases often hinge on what’s known as the “battle of the experts.” The credibility, character, and clarity of an expert witness can make or break a case.
But, what makes an expert witness truly credible—and where do you even begin to find one who could help you win your case?
The answer depends on the facts of your case. Case law has long held that individuals with relevant knowledge, experience, training, or education can be designated as experts if their insights help a judge or jury understand the issues at hand. And experts are used in nearly every legal sector—from intellectual property and employment law to personal injury and construction disputes.
Let’s say you’re handling a case involving illness linked to bread production. You might need someone with a degree in food science, published research, patents, and decades of industry experience. That person could very well be your expert.
So how do you find them?
Start with the legal platforms you already know: Lexis and Westlaw. Lexis Context offers a deep dive into expert specialties, including profiles, plaintiff or defense leanings, and even Daubert challenge histories. If you don’t have access to Context, Lexis Expert Materials is a solid alternative.
Westlaw Expert Materials lets you search by state or specialty and filter by document type—transcripts, CVs, reports. Use these tools to scan case opinions and trial documents to see who’s been listed as an expert and who’s been challenged.
But don’t stop there.
Online expert databases like SEAK cover a wide range of specialties, while niche platforms like ARCCA focus on technical disciplines like biomechanics and failure analysis. Some require fees, but many are free. And don’t underestimate LinkedIn—search by company type to find professionals in the field you need.
Still not finding the right fit? Tap into professional networks and associations. Leaders in these groups are often active in the field and may be willing to serve—or refer someone who can. Look for industry blogs, newsletters, and published articles. Authors are often specialists and may be open to expert witness work.
If time allows, attend a conference or seminar in the relevant field. Speakers are usually comfortable presenting to groups, which can translate well to courtroom testimony.
And don’t forget academia. Professors and researchers bring deep knowledge and teaching experience. Trade and vocational schools are also worth exploring—technical educators often have hands-on expertise and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
Finally, ask for referrals. If a candidate isn’t available, they might know someone who is. And check with colleagues in your firm or partner firms. A name drop can go a long way when reaching out to a potential expert.
Finding the right expert witness isn’t just about credentials—it’s about communication, credibility, and courtroom presence.
Thank you for listening to Womble Perspectives. If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, please visit The Show Notes, where you can find links to related resources mentioned today. The Show Notes also have more information about our attorneys who provided today's insights, including ways to reach out to them.
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