Ten Tips for Hiring a Vocational Expert

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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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