During litigation, the role of an expert witness extends beyond possessing technical or financial expertise. It’s about combining that knowledge with the confidence, credibility and authority needed to effectively communicate complex information to a judge or jury. The AICPA® & CIMA® Expert Witness Skills Workshop, Oct. 28-30, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas, Texas, is designed precisely for this purpose — offering forensic accountants, valuation experts and other professionals the opportunity to hone their communication skills in an interactive and practical setting.
Three Cs of an expert witness
To be an effective expert witness, it’s not enough to simply know your subject matter; there are essential skills one should master.
The three core attributes that distinguish a successful expert witness are confidence, credibility and command of the courtroom. Confidence ensures that your testimony is delivered with poise, making it easier for the court to trust your expertise. Credibility stems from both your qualifications and your ability to present facts clearly and without bias. Finally, command of the courtroom involves understanding the legal process and effectively communicating your findings under cross-examination.
These skills are critical in ensuring that your testimony is not only heard but also respected and given appropriate weight in legal proceedings.
Beyond theory: Guidance, simulations and scenarios to develop skills
The Expert Witness Skills Workshop goes beyond conference presentations or lectures by immersing participants in an interactive learning environment. Attendees will receive personalized guidance and real-time feedback from seasoned professionals who have years of courtroom experience. The workshop includes realistic courtroom simulations where participants can practice delivering testimony, responding to cross-examinations and handling complex legal scenarios.
Additionally, participants will engage in group collaborations using case studies that focus on either economic damages or business valuations. These groups will provide the chance to work through customized case studies, offering hands-on experience that directly applies to real-world situations.
This workshop is ideal for a wide range of professionals, including experienced expert witnesses looking to sharpen their skills, first-time testifiers who need foundational training and candidates for the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV®) or Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF®) credentials. It’s also beneficial for general practitioners who want to broaden their knowledge and improve their courtroom effectiveness.
Tailored feedback from experienced lawyers, judges and experts in forensic accounting and valuation provides valuable opportunities to refine testimonies and improve overall courtroom performance. Moreover, the workshop offers excellent networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers and industry leaders who share your professional interests.
After the workshop, you’ll walk away with video recordings of your interactive exercises, including feedback on your performance, that you can review at your convenience. The skills you develop during the workshop can be reinforced and refined over time.
The Expert Witness Skills Workshop is unique in its practical approach, offering an immersive learning experience that sets it apart from other programs. The combination of expert faculty, hands-on exercises and real-life simulations ensures that participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their professional roles. Success stories from past attendees highlight the transformative impact of this workshop, with many professionals reporting increased confidence and effectiveness in the courtroom.
Commanding courtroom presence starts with education
Honing your skills as an expert witness is an investment in your career and your professional credibility and takes your courtroom performance to the next level.
The Expert Witness Skills Workshop provides the ideal platform to develop the confidence, credibility and command required to excel in the courtroom. The combination of expert faculty, hands-on exercises and real-life simulations ensures that participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their professional roles.
Register today and save $150 with our early bird discount — use coupon code EXPERTWITNESSSKILLS20 at checkout. The early bird pricing ends on Sept. 13.
Your future success as an expert witness begins here.
Professional Insights
Master the 3 Cs of being an expert witness this October
Christine N. Cutti-FoxSep 13, 2024 · 2 min read · AICPA & CIMA Insights Blog
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