10 Must-Know Tips for Hiring a Vocational Expert to Strengthen Your Case
By following these tips, attorneys can select a vocational expert who enhances their case and provides reliable, credible support for employability, earning capacity, and rehabilitation claims.

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Check Credentials and Qualifications
Ensure the expert has an advanced certifications as a Certified Vocational Expert (CVE).
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Evaluate Relevant Experience
Choose an expert with specific experience in your type of case, whether it’s personal injury, worker’s compensation, disability, or employment disputes.
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Assess Expertise in Labor Market Trends
Select a vocational expert who is knowledgeable about current labor market conditions, trends, and specific industry needs to provide accurate earning capacity assessments.
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Ability to Provide Clear, Understandable Testimony
Look for an expert who can clearly explain complex vocational assessments and analyses in a way that a judge and jury can easily understand.
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Experience with Legal Procedures
Ensure the expert is familiar with the legal system and comfortable with depositions, cross-examinations, and testifying in court if needed.
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Thorough Evaluation Methods (ask about the tests they administer)
Verify that the expert uses proven, comprehensive assessment methods, including job analysis, skills assessments, and vocational testing, to ensure credible conclusions.
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Strong Report Writing Skills
The expert should be able to provide well-written, detailed reports that support their findings and are easily understandable for attorneys, clients, and the court.
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Objectivity and Independence (ask about Daubert challenges)
Choose a vocational expert who remains impartial and objective, offering a professional, fact-based opinion rather than supporting one side’s narrative.
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Availability and Timeliness (ask about their trial schedule)
Ensure the expert can meet deadlines and is available for follow-up questions, consultations, or court appearances as needed throughout the litigation process.
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Reputation and References
Research the expert’s reputation in the industry by reviewing references or feedback from attorneys and clients who have worked with them in similar cases.