DESCRIPTION

Navigating conflicting expert opinions, whether in one’s own case, among co-defendants, or between the parties, can be challenging. Conflicting expert opinions can undermine case credibility, confuse juries, and weaken an otherwise strong defense. We will explore why expert conflicts matter and how they can affect the overall litigation strategy; discuss root causes of expert contradictions; and identify common sources of expert disagreement across fields (e.g., medical causation, economic valuation). In this interactive session, we will discuss practical strategies for managing these conflicts, techniques for exposing flaws in opposing testimony, and ways to emphasize the credibility of your own expert(s).

GUEST SPEAKERS    

Christina Hesse is a Partner with Duke Evett who specializes in medical and professional malpractice defense and business/commercial litigation. Prior to joining Duke Evett, Christina worked at firms in Boston and Boise, and was the Chief Legal Officer for a Boise-based software-as-a-service startup company. As part of those roles, she successfully represented medical and dental professionals, health-care facilities, and other individual and corporate clients in numerous complex civil suits. Christina is particularly adept at working with expert witnesses across multiple specialties in complex medical malpractice cases, due to her scientific background, innate love of “learning the medicine,” and natural curiosity. Though not an Idaho native, she has developed deep ties to the Boise community, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County and of the Idaho Women Lawyers, and representing Guardians ad Litem pro bono with Family Advocates.

Chesney Arend is a civil litigation associate attorney with Duke Evett, PLLC. She joined Duke Evett in September of 2023. Chesney graduated from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 2022. During law school, Chesney was a member of the South Dakota Law Review and served as a Copy Editor for Volume 67. Prior to joining Duke Evett, Chesney clerked for South Dakota’s Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pierre, SD.

An application for 1.00 CLE hour has been submitted to the Idaho State Bar.