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13. February 2009: What is an EJD?

I recently became aware of the professional acronym, EJD. Since I am a lawyer, I was curious to learn about this new certification, which I deduced had something to do with legal education due to the familiar JD for Juris Doctor for law degree. The EJD is an academic degree that allows its holder to work in law and non-law related fields, but does not allow the practice of law as an attorney. It is offered by online / distance schools, Concord Law School of Kaplan University, Taft Law School, British-American University and Newport University. While these schools may be accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, the EJD degree offered is not recognized by any bar association and graduates are not able to sit for a bar exam in any jurisdiction.

Concord Law claims the trademark "EJD". It's website provides: ...More

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02. June 2007: How to Choose an Expert Witness

Hiring an expert witness is a tedious process but well worth the chagrin when it comes to a deposition that breaks the case, or credible trial testimony that impresses the jury.

There are some preliminary criteria that need to be satisfied. The expert must of course be qualified to testify about the subject matter at issue. For example, in the medical malpractice field, an expert testifying about the standard of care must specialize in the same field as the defendant and be board certified in the relevant field if the defendant is. The expert must also have devoted a majority of professional time in the year preceding the time complained of to practicing or teaching an accredited program in the same specialty as the defendant. MCL 600.2169(1)(a-b).

In order to determine whether the expert is a qualified expert, a curriculum vite is necessary. Furthermore, rather than taking the expert's word for it, their qualifications can be confirmed and this probably a good idea. For example, if the expert asserts that they are certified by a particular board and it is a relevant board, the certification can be confirmed by contact with that board or with the American Medical Association or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

An expert who will positively impress the jury and the opposition is another important criteria. Therefore, not only is a qualified expert needed, but an expert who is ...More

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