5 Crucial Lessons from running a medical expert witness company
The following lessons are from my 25 years of practicing orthopedic surgery. I aim to highlight what drives successful expert engagements—and how structured support benefits everyone involved.
One consistent observation stands out:
• The most effective expert witnesses are more than clinically excellent
• They are organized, reliable, and easy to work with
That outcome is rarely accidental—it’s the result of systems.
Lesson 1: Your Schedule Is Your Professional Reputation
In litigation, deadlines are non-negotiable. Depositions, reports, and trial preparation all depend on experts delivering when promised.
Attorneys rely on experts not only for opinions, but for reliability.
How can Specialty Experts reduce scheduling friction:
• Centralizing calendars and availability
• Confirming deadlines early in the case
• Minimizing last-minute requests and surprises
Lesson 2: Expert Witness Work Is Project Work
Each case includes multiple moving parts:
• Record review
• Case communication
• Report drafting
• Depositions and trial preparation
Specialty Experts built the system to keep the project moving:
• Streamlining case intake and document flow
• Clarifying expectations at the outset
• Allowing experts to focus on analysis—not logistics
Lesson 3: Documentation Protects Credibility
Clear, contemporaneous documentation is essential.
Strong experts maintain:
• Organized review notes
• Clear methodology documentation
• Consistent records throughout the case lifecycle
Lesson 4: Boundaries Improve Performance and Longevity
Without defined boundaries, expert work can quickly become overwhelming.
Specialty Experts helps by:
• Clarifying expert availability upfront
• Managing communication flow
• Reducing unnecessary interruptions
Lesson 5: Organization Is What Attorneys Remember
High-value experts are known for:
• Clear, consistent communication
• Accurate time tracking
• Organized billing
• On-time well-written thoughtful reports
Expert witness work functions best when it’s treated as a professional service—not a side gig administered by clinical staff who have no interest or time to manage unfamiliar territory.
My team and I built and operate Specialty Experts. I have been a practicing orthopedic surgeon for 25 years. For over two decades I learned what it takes to be an effective expert. Now my company can help you! We bring structure, consistency, and clarity to experts.
At Specialty Experts, our role is to provide the infrastructure that allows experts to focus on thoughtful analysis and testimony, allowing attorneys to work with highly organized, dependable professionals.
Reach out to me anytime
Glenn D. Cohen, M.D.
