Experts and Costs

A tip from Michael J. Wagner: When selecting an expert, don't automatically choose the expert with the lowest rate.

It there is a substantial reason for the higher rate, then the more expensive expert may be more efficient. Many experienced experts have higher rates because they have done the work before and can now do it faster . . . The result of somewhat higher rates and much greater efficiency may be a lower bill.

Source: "Expert problems," by Michael J. Wagner, The Litigation Manual: Pretrial (ABA Litigation).

Comments

[Lulaine]

Selecting an expert is always a risk lawyers have to measure depending on their case, and the client's bill. In an effort to keep the bill low, some lawyers choose for the cheapest expert. That may sometimes be a bad thing because the more expensive expert might know more and that information might lead to an acquittal. It all comes down to the balance between quality and expense. Is the quality of the information good that the expense would be worth it.

[Experienced Federal Appeal Attorney]

the comment above is so very true...it really comes down to and educated decision and gut feeling when hiring a lawyer. good post