Litigation in connection with engineering projects and services continues to be on the rise. The vast majority of testimony by engineers is offered through deposition. Preparation is key to successfully offering deposition and/or trial testimony. Although these services are less frequently needed when compared to others provided by engineers, when such services are desired (or required) as a function of litigation, it is extremely important that engineering professionals understand both the process as well as desirable traits associated with effective testimony. This presentation will offer a brief overview of the factual and procedural information about litigation, but primarily provide guidance from the engineers’ point of view in the areas of:
What makes a credible witness?
- How to perform a resume checkup to ensure accuracy and emphasize knowledge, experience and training
- Managing your time
- Preparing opinions and the substance of your testimony
- Writing and defending your expert report
- File management (email, document retention, etc.)
- Strategic deposition preparation and tips to success
- Strategic trial preparation and tips success
Especially in the case of litigation, engineers must be master of their own domain, and keep their integrity intact by being able to explain anything that they have done or not done in a manner that is understood by non-technical people. Surprises generally happen only when preparation is lacking, or discovery was conducted poorly.
Learning Objectives:
- Preparing your resume for scrutiny
- Preparing your opinions and defending your report or work product
- Managing documents
- Strategic tips to effective testimony associated with technical matters.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Price: $129/($99 Member Price)
Nicholas Albergo, P.E., DEE
Nick Albergo is a professional engineer and the founder and CEO of HSA Engineers & Scientists. With nearly 400 professionals, HSA was sold to GHD in 2012. Nick has spent decades working with industry stakeholders and governmental officials on hundreds projects, many involving sensitive community issues. He is often called upon as an expert witness in litigation matters involving contaminant impact and cleanup. He remains on the engineering faculty at the University of South Florida, and has served as the ASTM Vice-Chair on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action. He holds patents in the area of bioremediation, and has authored or co-authored over 185 publications in the fields of environmental and chemical engineering. Beyond his domestic efforts as a consultant to industry, he has worked abroad as an advisor to other foreign Governments, private sector corporations and international lending institutions.