38 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 What challenges do you encounter when simplifying complex financial concepts for non-specialist audiences in court? Finance can be intimidating, and legal professionals often don’t have a background in accounting. The challenge is breaking down technical analyses—like loss projections or historical earnings trends—into clear, relatable explanations. I use realworld analogies, visual aids, and straightforward language to make sure the key points are understood. The simpler you can make a concept without losing accuracy, the more persuasive your testimony will be. In your role as a practice leader, how do you mentor and guide the next generation of forensic accountants? I focus on two things: technical expertise and professional judgment. You can train someone to crunch numbers, but great forensic accountants use analytical thinking and always maintain strong ethical standards. I encourage junior staff to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and develop a sharp eye for inconsistencies. Real-world case exposure is key, so I make sure they get hands-on experience early on—whether it’s working What do you find most rewarding about specializing in economic loss claims and fraud investigations? Every case is a puzzle, and I love putting the pieces together. Numbers can tell a story. Whether it’s quantifying a loss for a small business, an injured person, or uncovering financial misrepresentations in a large fraud case, there’s a real impact. The work isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping insurers, businesses, and individuals work through financial disputes fairly and accurately. Seeing how our work impacts legal outcomes and provides clarity in complex situations is incredibly rewarding. How do you ensure impartiality and objectivity when providing litigation support or testifying as an expert witness? Forensic accountants are not advocates—we’re independent experts. We have a duty to assist the court. That means sticking to the facts, even if the conclusions aren’t what our client wants to hear. I approach every case the same way: follow the data, rely on sound methodologies, and document everything thoroughly. In court, credibility is everything, and once an expert’s objectivity is questioned, their testimony loses value. My goal is always to present the financial reality based on the facts and evidence.
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