“When the Other Side Calls: Why Being Hired by Both Plaintiff and Defense Is the Ultimate Expert-Witness Validation”

One of the highest compliments an expert witness can receive? Being hired by the other side.

Not because you changed your opinion. Not because you backed down. But because your work was clear, credible, and unshakeable under scrutiny.

That happened to me recently — after testifying for a defense firm, a plaintiff firm reached out to retain me for their construction defect case.

In the world of expert witness testimony, credibility isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s everything. And for those of you building a career — as an expert, consultant, or adviser — here are some of the lessons I’ve leaned into to make that trust possible.

Here are four pillars that helped me build that level of mutual trust, and how you can lean into them too:

Objectivity Above All:

Always ground your opinions in facts, data, and rigorous engineering — not advocacy.
Be willing to walk away from engagements where the facts don’t support the desired narrative.

Consistency Under Pressure:

Maintain alignment between your deposition, your report, and your testimony. Consistency builds trust. When cross-examined, don’t shift just to please: stick to what your analysis supports.

Clarity Is Power:

Translate technical engineering concepts into language anyone (lawyers, judges, juries) can grasp.
Use analogies, visual aids, or simple storytelling to make complex points clear — because misunderstanding can undermine credibility.

Build a Reputation Across the Aisle:

Cultivate relationships (and respect) on both sides. When opposing counsel sees you as fair and rigorous, they’re more likely to call you.
Engagement + respect don’t happen overnight — but every deposition, every report, every trial is part of that long game.
I’d love to hear from other experts: have you ever been called by the “other side”? What did that feel like, and how did it change (or not change) your approach?
If you’re a litigator or attorney: how do you evaluate and choose experts with cross-aisle credibility?
Feel free to connect or reach out — I’m always open to conversations, collaborations, or just swapping war stories.