Engaging Experts

Most don't think about how integrated GPS technology is in our everyday actions. From dialing 911 to find our location, tagging friends on social media at a restaurant or tracking flights, it's become a necessary tool that continues to evolve. Our guest, Dr. Stephen B. Heppe, DSc. is one of the leading experts in this field.

Dr. Heppe has over 40 years of experience in the area of telecommunications, electrical engineering, radio/radar, unmanned aircraft, and GPS/GNSS with General Electric Space Division, Stanford Telecommunications, Telenergy, Insitu/Boeing, and independent consultancies.
He has served as an independent consultant and expert witness relating to satellite communications, cellular and radio technologies, mobile data applications, fleet tracking, GPS and GNSS systems, robotics, and automation. Expert witness work includes over 50 cases involving patent disputes (Federal Circuit, PTAB and ITC), theft of intellectual property, and breach of contract.
Our Exclusive Experts are available only through Round Table Group. They have demonstrated excellence in expert witness testimony as well as in academic and professional achievement.
In this episode . . . .

In this episode of Discussions at the Round Table, Dr. Heppe discusses his rewarding start at InSitu working with UAVs and communications and developing drones for the U.S. military. Due to his successful role as an expert witness, he shares his insight on what a successful attorney client and expert witness consultant relationship looks like. To round out his discussion, he forecasts technology changes in GPS and hints at his new projects with stratospheric airships and truth-telling on the Internet. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode...

Our guest, Nancy Ortmeyer Kuhn, is a Schulman Rogers shareholder, and she specializes in tax controversies and tax planning. She is a practicing attorney and expert witness for a range of topics including non-profit governance, charitable conservation easements, and general tax issues. Ms. Kuhn is a published author and holds an LLM from the University of Denver.

“Communication is key,” according to Ms. Kuhn. Whether good or bad, having an open dialogue between an expert and an attorney is the foundation of a successful engagement. That said, she also notes that attorneys are extremely busy and may not always have time for extended conversations.

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on settlements, finding meaning in expert witnessing, and representing nonprofits.

In this episode...
Today’s guest, Mr. David L. Simon is the founder and president of Simon Brothers Media Consulting and Advisory firm. Additionally, he is on the board of directors for Fan Film Limited, where he has produced documentaries for film and television. Mr. Simon is a sought-after expert witness with over twenty years of experience in entertainment litigation matters.

Keeping a record of everything you publish, including interviews, is the best way to avoid situations where your own words are used against you in court, according to Mr. Simon. His hard drive and cloud are “bursting at the seams,” organized with the contents of his long career in entertainment. Even when you take a consistent position on a topic, being able to refer is a boon, because the opposing side will certainly be looking.

Check out the entire episode for our discussion on keeping up in a dynamic field, giving the neutral truth, and working on a team.

In this episode...
Our guest, Progressor Gregory Ogden, has over 40 years of teaching Civil Procedure, Administrative Law, Remedies, and Legal Ethics at Pepperdine University. He is a published author, consultant, and public speaker. Professor Ogden holds a JD from UC Davis.

Expert witness reports are shaped partly by the venue. Professor Ogden works in California, where expert reports are seldom used, and in federal, where they are. He prefers to use them, as they clearly outline the topics that may come up during trial and require much less memorization. Professor Ogden works with his attorney to hone the report for content and style to ensure everyone is organized and prepared.

Check out the full episode for topics including AI in expert witness work, the differences between consulting and testifying experts, and effective communication.

In this episode...

Matt Morr and Mudaser “Mo” Khan, commercial litigators at Ballard Spahr, reflect on expert persuasiveness (both reports and on the stand) and credibility (from body language to ensuring story consistency). They note that their favorite experts shine in two areas: first, they continually work on their writing and speaking skills, keeping at the forefront in the art of persuasion; and secondly, they work closely with the attorney team to ensure consistent themes in the stories they are telling at trial.

Mo and Matt also discuss Ballard Spahr’s commitment to pro bono work and their own interest in prisoners’ rights. This intensity has been transformative for clients like Robert Francis, whose life sentence was overturned thanks to the firm’s dedication to his case. They discuss whether trial penalty is common, and what is at the root of this controversial concept. They also go into detail on the power of organizations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and Ballard Spahr’s commitment to this organization, sharing advice for those moved by the work being done in this area and who want to get involved with commutation or prisoner’s rights work.

Matthew Morr

Matt Morr is a trial attorney at Ballard Spahr, representing a wide range of companies in their most important litigation matters, from prominent public organizations to start-ups in emerging industries. Matt has litigated and tried cases in front of judges and juries in federal and state court, and before arbitration panels.

Mudaser Kahn

Mudasar "Mo" Khan is a member of Ballard Spahr's Litigation Department. His practice focuses on complex corporate and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. Mo's experience includes managing electronic discovery, drafting discovery requests and responses, arguing at hearings to resolve discovery disputes, taking depositions, preparing fact and expert witnesses to give testimony, negotiating settlements, and briefing dispositive motions.