While there is usually no foolproof way to become a technology expert witness, a couple of things are required to land the job, including a seasoned background in computer science or computer technology, a willingness to appear in court, and a working relationship with technology lawyers. Many courts permit technology expert witnesses to enter explanatory testimony in cases where facts hinge on very complex technological details. Expert witnesses are always selected by attorneys, however. The best way to become a technology expert witness is to market yourself to lawyers and be prepared to wait for the right trial.
Expert witnesses are largely a facet of U.S. law, but the practice of allowing seasoned experts to interpret complicated facts is increasingly used in courts all over the world. In most cases, experts are only allowed to testify in cases that involve facts that are too complicated for most ordinary people to understand. The first thing that you must have to become a technology expert witness is an above-average understanding of some aspect of technology.
Once you have the education and working knowledge to help educate the court, you need to make your services known. Traditionally, lawyers went out searching for expert witnesses by attending lecturers, paging through academic directories, and gathering references from prominent voices in the field. This happens still to some extent, but more often than not the experts are finding the lawyers first.
Particularly in the United States, online expert witness databases are a very common means of locating expert witnesses. Some databases are made up of exclusively technology expert witnesses, while others feature experts in any number of searchable categories. Directories are both national and local. Purchasing a listing in a couple of different directories can be a good way to become a technology expert witness, as it will put your credentials in the hands of lawyers who are looking for you.
It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the major technology lawyers and law firms in your area. Many state bar associations have science and technology sections, many of which sponsor luncheons, seminars, and panel discussions throughout the year. Attending these events as a technological expert can be a good way to get to know lawyers who may be interested in your services at some point down the road.
Current knowledge and work experience is also an essential part of what it takes to become a technology expert witness. Although expert witnesses are compensated for their time and services, it can be very difficult to make a living from these proceeds. A lot of this is because expert witnesses, particularly in the technology and computer science sector, must have very current knowledge in order for their insights to be admissible at trial. An expert who spends more time testifying than working runs the risk of losing his edge.
