Expert Witnesses’ Curriculum Vitae
By: Steven Babitsky, Esq.
An expert witness who has a sloppy curriculum vitae (CV) containing incorrect information is inviting questioning by opposing counsel. This questioning will likely be embarrassing and can damage the credibility of the expert witness.
Here is an example from a demonstration at a recent SEAK expert witness training conference:
Q. You produced your CV dated 1/15/2013, correct?
A. Yes.
Q. Is it accurate and complete?
A. Yes.
Q. What would you think of an expert who had false or misleading information on their CV?
A. I would question them.
Q. Your CV says you are an Adjunct Professor at NYU, correct?
A. Well, I used to be.
Q. Is that what your CV says?
A. No, it does not.
Q. Did you intentionally try to mislead people or was it just sloppiness?
A. I guess it was sloppy.
Q. Will you correct this mistake?
A. As soon as I can get to my computer.
Q. Your CV says you are a member of the New York Bar Association.
A. I am, sir.
Q. Actually, you are at most an associate member, as only attorneys are permitted to be members. Were you aware of this?
A. No, unfortunately I was not. And yes, I will correct this as soon as I get back to my office.
Q. Do you know how many more mistakes like this are on your CV?
A. May I take a look at it?
Conclusion:
An expert who cannot produce an accurate and up-to-date CV is unlikely to be trusted.