May Monthly Training IN PERSON:
Where? Vermeer Southeast
1320 Gresham Rd., Marietta, GA 30062
VIRTUAL OPTION ALSO AVAILABLE
So You Want To Be An Expert Witness?
May 13th 6:00-7:30 pm. with Lea Clark, GFC and Kay Evanovich, City of Decatur
1 ISA CEU
This presentation will cover the basics of court cases, getting hired, scope of your work, being qualified as an expert, depositions, trial testimony, how to document your opinion, and access / permission issues. Co-leading the webinar are Kay Evanovich, city arborist for Decatur, with courtroom experience as an expert, and Lea Clark, Community Forester for the GA Forestry Commission, with courtroom experience as an attorney.
Part I – Basics
Who is suing whom for what?
Civil or criminal
Plaintiff v. defendant or State v. defendant
Federal or state
Causes of action
Who hires you?
Lawyer or client
Contract, payments, taxes, insurance
What are you being hired for?
Scope of work – opinion
Experience-backed professional opinion
What if your opinion hurts their case?
What if your opinion helps their case?
Deposition
Explain generally and type of questions
Being qualified as an expert by the judge
Trial
Jury or nonjury
Direct and cross examinations
Courtroom behind the scenes
Witnesses don’t get to hear other witnesses
Part II – Forming Your Opinion
The basis of your opinion
Documentation
Pictures
Written notes (keep or destroy?)
Written report
Chain of custody of evidence issues
Access issues, permissions needed
Property access to evaluate (photos and/or in person)
Property access to assist work (tie offs, etc)
Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm
6 p.m. Light refreshments and networking/GAA Update
6:30 p.m. Presentation
Attendees will receive one (1) CEU
Members attend free.
Non-members pay $20.
Not a member?
GAA offers many benefits to help you excel in your profession.
Questions?
Contact us at 404-913-1422 or info@georgiaarborist.org
***This training is recorded and will be sent by email to all registrants within a week of the event***