Testimonials
“The best preparation for cross examination as a testifying expert witness I have found is SEAK’s DVD by Mangraviti “The Most Difficult Questions for Experts.” I review it prior to each court appearance. “
You have helped me get my forensic practice off to a great start, have been a pleasure to deal with, and your guidance has helped me avoid several potentially major business mistakes as well as stay on task and in motion forward. Part consultant, part therapist, you’ve been there for me throughout, helping me think through several pivotal professional decisions.
“Looking at 2008, my forensic revenue (gross) was about 200k(up from 60 K when we met), clinical about 240K. I expect the latter to decrease in 2009 with the economy. The forensic is more unpredictable, but Jan. has been gangbusters. I expect to bill between 30 and 38 K, depending on whether one particular case goes to trial next week(or settles). I am very grateful that I discovered you along life’s course. Besides being remunerative, I love the work itself–the reviews, the reports, the depositions and trials and also believe that I am making a contribution to my field in the process.”—Practice Development Consulting Client
“Thank you for your time today. I found it very helpful. I actually have been going back through my file again and found the answers to many of the issues you raised. I have attached my revised CV based on your excellent review. I have had many people look at the version I gave you, including looking it over several times myself, I am amazed at the things you found and am very grateful for your keen eye. You are clearly very good at what you do.”—One-on-One Training Client Prepped for Important Deposition
“I have not done any other advertising or marketing other than the [SEAK] directory. Just off the SEAK directory, I have been retained in Ohio, Idaho and West Virginia. Just got a call last week on a case in Kansas City, MO and waiting for attorney to send me synopsis of case – found my name in the directory. So, from my perspective, and in terms of the Gen X’ers – you guys Rock!”
I just wanted to thank you and Nadine for a very enlightening weekend. I learned a lot
“Thanks again Jim. I have all the business I can handle now, both for defense and plaintiffs. I’ve now reviewed over 130 cases in the past ~ 6 years, in several dozen states. When I’ve been deposed or gone to trial, your advice from your books, and my notes from the live courses, have been invaluable. Many of the tips and attorney tricks and tactics have come up and I’ve felt much more confident responding in an artful way. In fact, often, the attorney tactics that I’ve faced were straight out of one your books.”
“Steve, without knowing you, knowing SEAK, and going to all the conferences that I have attended with your firm for expert witness training, and without your “one-on-one” training, this case would not have ended the way it eventually did. Whenever I get a chance, I recommend SEAK and particularly recommend you and Mr. Mangraviti. In addition, you have really helped in the way you trained my office assistant at the assistants course in Chicago.”
“I was just an expert witness at the Conrad Murray trial last week. You can check out my videos on youtube if you are extremely bored. According to commentary I did pretty well. This was my first time in court! I have to thank you for your book “How to become a Dangerous Expert Witness” as I used it like the bible in my preparation. I just wanted to thank you for writing that book.”
“I attended your recent advanced training in Florida. I testified yesterday in court, the first such testimony since the training. It was a huge success as I felt for the first time, completely comfortable with my opinion, my report and my testimony. I have been doing expert witness work for quite some time, but have only started testifying more in recent years. I have observed others, completed various trainings and as you know there is a steep learning curve in this area, so have learned from every experience—good and especially, bad. Your class though was the “tipping point” in terms of me finally understanding and being able to implement testifying skills, starting with a completely reasoned opinion and ending with educating the court, remaining calm and speaking clearly and directly. I especially learned from watching all the witnesses get grilled at your training—seeing what experts look like when they can’t give a straight answer or are defensive really was instructive and eye opening. There were many take aways from the class but I especially liked Jim’s quote from The Art of War—he who is strong everywhere, is strong nowhere. I was able to give where I needed to and stand firm, where I wouldn’t. The other side should send their expert to your training…”