Meet the Experts & Attorneys from
Magna’s Battle of the Experts 2023!
The two-day CLE program took place on December 13th and 14th, 2023 at The W South Beach in Miami, FL. The event featured interactive micro-panel exercises involving teams of outside counsel, in-house counsel, claims executives and audience members working together alongside real life experts.
Micro panels worked on preparing their moderators and experts for direct examination role plays, and outside counsel moderators and experts went head to head in a “Battle of the Experts” in front of a judge and jury!
Cross-examination of an expert is one of my favorite things to do as an attorney. All the experts at the event were top notch and put up a good fight on even very tough questions.
The fact patterns were all interesting and educational. It was great to show everyone a little slice of what we as attorneys and experts do on a daily basis.
My experience with my micro panel could not have been better. Everyone was engaged and genuinely interested in participating and making my presentation better. We had a great time round tabling ideas and theories, and I incorporated several ideas from panel members that I had not initially considered.
I thought the juror feedback was very powerful. I always find whenever doing mock trials or mock examinations such as this, that it is very valuable to obtain these types of opinions/feedback.
Oftentimes, we think too much like lawyers or we are overly invested in our cases. These mock jurors help us to better prepare our cases for trial and to touch on points/issues that would be helpful in front of a real jury.
On a personal level, expert work provides the opportunity to leverage my scientific training and experience while still requiring research and synthesis for each unique matter.
Suzanne Rodriguez, Ed.D., M.S.W., P.P.S.C., C.P.S.I.
School Administration & Social Work Expert
Robson Forensic
I like the ability to use my knowledge and expertise to investigate matters from a totally objective perspective.
In doing so, I assist clients by providing them with specialized information that assists them in making sound decisions about their case.
Terence Kadlec, P.E.
Vice President, Engineering & Specialty Services
Expert – Civil/Structural Engineer
MC Consultants, Inc.
Crazy as it sounds, the prep was my favorite part. Developing and perfecting a fact pattern with Bob Kopka was a great start well before we got to the battle. Talking about what I do as an expert on an everyday basis, and how to convert that to an edutainment type session.
Then, working directly with Brad Barmen and the group of professionals preparing me for the battle. Talking through the facts, the holes, and the theory of the case. Such another great networking bonus to participating in the battle. Then during the event, networking my “team” and Brad – our breakout was a pseudo strategy session with a group of industry colleagues that instantly had my back, offered suggestions, and advise ahead of my cross-examination.
I’m a huge fan of collaboration – knowing we make others better. I walk away from the Battle of the Experts as a better expert. And learned plenty to share with others internally and externally.