Object Lessons

Using an expert who's biased - or is perceived to be so - can ruin your case. Here are some ways to ensure a valuation expert's objectivity:

• Discourage experts from acting as advocates for your client's position.
• Ask experts to correct any mistakes revealed at trial and adjust their valuations accordingly.
• Be sure experts follow accepted valuation methodologies - unless your client is willing to be a "test case."
• Consider using separate valuation and rebuttal experts.
• Have your trial expert's valuation reviewed by an independent consulting expert.
• Encourage experts to act as advocates only for their own (objective) position.