Initial Contact & Conflict Check
Every engagement begins with a brief initial conversation to understand the nature of the matter, the technical issues involved, and the role counsel is considering for Bill — testifying expert, consulting expert, or both. Before any materials are reviewed in depth, Bill runs a conflict check against opposing parties, related matters, and existing client relationships to confirm he can accept the engagement without a conflict of interest.
Scope of Work & Retention Agreement
Once a conflict check clears, the scope of work is documented in a written retention agreement covering the issues to be addressed, the materials to be reviewed, and the deliverables expected — whether that is an initial case assessment, a full written expert report, a rebuttal report, or deposition and trial testimony. Defining scope clearly at the outset avoids disputes later about what was or was not covered by the engagement.
Fee Structure
Bill bills for expert witness and consulting work on an hourly basis, consistent with standard practice among technical expert witnesses. Hourly rates and any applicable retainer are confirmed in writing before work begins, and time is billed for case review, analysis, report preparation, deposition preparation and testimony, and trial preparation and testimony. Detailed, itemized invoices are provided so counsel can track expert costs against case budgets.
Typical Timeline
- Initial conflict check and scope discussion: typically within a few business days of first contact
- Case review and initial assessment: timeline depends on the volume of technical evidence involved
- Written expert report: prepared according to the schedule set by the case's scheduling order
- Deposition and trial testimony: scheduled according to the litigation timeline, with adequate preparation time built in
Deposition & Trial Testimony
Bill has been deposed and has testified at trial, and is comfortable walking a jury or a judge through technical evidence without losing them in jargon. He works closely with retaining counsel to prepare for deposition and cross-examination, anticipating the technical challenges opposing counsel is likely to raise and making sure his opinions are supported clearly enough to withstand them.