How Do I Become a Securities Expert Witness?

Individuals who want to become a securities expert witness can use a combination of detailed knowledge about financial markets and products with certain types of experience that will ultimately qualify them to provide this kind of legal consultation. Expert witnesses in general, and securities expert witnesses in particular, are not the kinds of professionals who need to pass the bar exam or become attorneys. Often, these individuals are simply experts in the financial world who can provide credible testimony in a court of law.

One of the first steps to become a securities expert witness is to become familiar with exchanges and markets in a nation or region of the world. Experience in communicating with representatives of financial exchanges, and knowledge of issues like broker licensing, can really help out in an individual’s quest to become a financial or securities expert witness. Experience in specific municipal court systems can also help qualify individuals for this type of role.

Some people will become a securities expert witness through a combination of detailed financial degrees and certifications, but in place of these kinds of qualifications, professionals also often put forward their experience in trading, as well as other aspects of finance. For example, arbitration experience, particularly in the financial world, can come in handy for someone who is providing financial consulting or securities expert witness services to a legal party. Experience in liability analysis, due diligence, or compliance issues is often extremely useful to the same end. In fact, advertising the ability to help detail liabilities for an investor is one of the most common things that a securities consultant will do, since this kind of fact finding is among the most popular services that are needed.

In general, the most successful expert witnesses will present a credible, trustworthy history and philosophy of legal representation or counsel. Though these individuals are not the first line of legal representatives, they can have a dramatic impact in a legal case and its eventual outcome. That’s why when attorneys or prosecutors “shop around” for these kinds of financial experts, having the right track record is an extremely important part of becoming a securities expert witness. Getting the best chance of becoming one of these finance experts means evaluating what skills, certifications, and general bona fides are most impressive to a range of litigating parties or other legally involved groups or individuals.