Anyone have experience as an Expert Witness - Testimony/Court Hearing?

[Tiffany Gibbons]

I have some experience as an expert witness. Personally, I hate doing it. Some appraisers of my acquaintance love it. There are classes about doing court testimony however, the only way to actually gain experience is to do it.

I don't like it either. Years of BOE hearings will do that to you.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Keep a copy of the transcript if possible for your work file.

 

[DWiley]

Keep a copy of the transcript if possible for your work file.

Good reminder, T

 

[Mark K]

An appraiser peer mentioned that I'm risking a potential sanction if I testify as an expert witness "without proper experience."

Nonsense.

As long as you're not testifying about something that you're not qualified to appraise, of course you can testify.

You are a professional appraiser, licensed by the state, and you routinely receive compensation for appraising real estate. You are an expert.

Now, if they want you to testify about something that you've not had experience appraising or is outside of your license qualification, that's a different story.

I prefer to not see any other appraisal. That way I can honestly say "I haven't seen the other report and cannot comment on its contents. I'm here to testify about my report." Otherwise, you can get into the quagmire of whether or not you performed a complete review, and by the way, where is your workfile for the review, did you personally inspect the other comps, etc.

Its a civil trial. From what I've seen, the best liar will win. Chances are, if the two reports are not far apart, they'll settle for the midpoint between the two. I sat in a courtroom for four hours and just before I was called to testify, the attorneys got together and averaged the two and sent me home. And I was paid well.

 

[glenn walker]

The beauty is we give free real estate , legal and even medical advice. So it's a one stop place,
and what's better than Free. Just do it and learn as you go because thats the quickest route to becoming a court certified real estate expert in your community

 

[Basically Rectangular]

I recently did a divorce case where my client said that I may be subpoenaed if the opposing counsel disagreed. I did tell him my fee, but I am confused as if you are subpoenaed, are you not required to be there?
Luckily they settled and I did not have to testify.

I hate dealing with AMC's but lawyer work is no fun either.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

are you not required to be there?

regardless if subpoenaed as a witness to fact or an expert witness, you must appear. But they are supposed to have a witness check (if only a witness to fact) in the clerks office before the trial. If no such check exists (at least in Oklahoma) my attorney said to go home. It's their requirement.

 

[DWiley]

I hate dealing with AMC's but lawyer work is no fun either.

They key is a good engagement contract. I really didn't care if they kept me waiting in a hallway for 3 hours and I never testified, because they were getting a bill that covered the time from when I left my office until the time I got back, whether I testified or not.

 

[Cob]

Its not that hard. You won't have a judge as stupid as Trump's. Tell the truth. Sit up straight. Listen to the question and answer it succinctly. Don't try to tell a joke. Its just a divorce.

Trump or his judge really have NOTHING TO DO with this post...........

 

[sputnam]

One would think that the attorney that engaged you would, at the beginning of your testimony, would "qualify" you in the courts opinion as an "expert" witness or not, as they would with any witness that expert type questions will be asked. i.e. How long have you been an appraiser? How many appraisals have you performed? Are you certified? Do you have any degrees? Do you take continuing education? How many properties similar to the subject have you appraised? "Your Honor, based on the witnesses responses I ask the court to consider the witness to be as expert with regards to their testimony."

That's exactly how it usually works.