Become a Medical Expert Witness

Physicians rarely hear about it in training, yet attorneys constantly need credible clinicians and pay premium hourly rates for case review.

1. 1

   Confirm you qualify as expert

   Most courts want board certification and recent active practice in the specialty at issue. If you are winding down clinically, start now while your experience is current.

2. 2

   Build an attorney-ready CV

   Reformat your CV to lead with board certifications, publications, and case volume. Attorneys screen for credibility in under a minute.

3. 3

   Set fees and retainer terms

   Typical rates run $350 to $800 per hour for record review, with higher rates for deposition and trial. Require a paid retainer before opening any file.

4. 4

   List where attorneys search

   Join two directories such as SEAK, Expert Institute, or TASA, and tell three attorney contacts directly that you accept case reviews in your specialty.

5. 5

   Deliver a meticulous first review

   Write opinions that are precise, defensible, and on time. Expert work spreads attorney to attorney on the strength of one good report.

6. 6

   Track your testimony record

   Keep the log of cases, depositions, and trials that federal disclosure rules require, and balance plaintiff and defense work to protect your credibility on the stand.