California courts ask whether the reasoning and data behind an expert opinion are sound and whether the opinion rests on matter of a type experts reasonably rely on, reserving a general-acceptance test for novel scientific techniques; the witness is qualified by training and experience. Economic damages testimony is therefore examined on its inputs and logic: whether the worklife, growth, and discount assumptions have a published basis and whether they fit the record. The forensic economist qualification is what that inquiry examines: graduate training in economics, finance, or business, a published damages method applied to the record, and a record of reports and testimony.
State recognition: Recognized nationally; no state licensure applies. There is no state license for forensic economists to check, so counsel verify the credential with its issuer and review the economist's testimony record directly.
For a matter venued in California, counsel verify the qualification the same way in every venue, because no state licenses forensic economists and there is no California register to check. The elements are the economist's graduate training, the published method behind each component of the report, and the testimony record, and each can be examined directly: the CV, the report's stated sources, and the transcripts of prior depositions. In California, the same elements are what the court weighs when the opinion is challenged, so a report that ties every input to the record and names its data sources answers the qualification question before it is asked.
KW Economics economists apply nationally recognized methods while accounting for California's wage levels, venue, and damages rules.
Economic damages experts testify in California's courts, where qualification is decided case by case on education, method, and experience rather than on any single credential.
Highest court: Supreme Court of California. Federal venues: N.D. Cal., E.D. Cal., C.D. Cal., S.D. Cal. Court system: courts.ca.gov.
KW Economics provides forensic economists for California damages matters, including remote consultation, report preparation, and deposition or trial testimony where the case is venued. Contact us to discuss availability for your matter.
California courts ask whether the reasoning and data behind an expert opinion are sound and whether the opinion rests on matter of a type experts reasonably rely on, reserving a general-acceptance test for novel scientific techniques; the witness is qualified by training and experience. Economic damages testimony is therefore examined on its inputs and logic: whether the worklife, growth, and discount assumptions have a published basis and whether they fit the record. Recognized nationally; no state licensure applies. There is no state license for forensic economists to check, so counsel verify the credential with its issuer and review the economist's testimony record directly.
Request a consultation on California damages matters or call (201) 343-0700. Plaintiff and defense counsel.