Experiences From Two Decades: Some Practical Advice For Forensic Economists

As practicing forensic economists, much that we learn about the fine art of our profession can only come through the experiences of writing reports, giving depositions, and testifying in court. While there is a growing body of literature dealing with the "science " of forensic economics (particularly those issues related to calculating economic loss), there are not many guidebooks available which deal with the "art " of being an expert witness. This paper was written in the hope that there are some new (and a few old) practitioners of forensic economics who would like to hear some expert witness "war stories. " Perhaps revealing a few of the potholes along the road to being an expert witness will make the path a bit easier for those who are just beginning the journey. Preparing a Report You Can Live With In preparing a report concerning economic loss, it is important to remember that the report will have four audiences: the attorneys who have retained your services, the opposing attorneys, a judge, and a jury. Keeping these audiences in mind will help the expert develop a "game plan " for preparing a report that can be understood by people fro