Graduate Economics Credentials for Arkansas Damages Cases

By Christopher Skerritt, M.Ed., MBA, Chief of Economic Services · Published · Reviewed

Arkansas trial courts act as gatekeepers and ask whether the economist's method is reliable, whether it has been tested and accepted in the profession, and whether it fits the facts of the case, with qualification resting on training and experience. A report that states its assumptions and cites its data sources answers those questions on its face. A graduate degree in economics, finance, or business is the first element of that inquiry: it establishes training in the methods the opinion uses, and experience and the testimony record establish that the economist applies them reliably.

Recognition and qualification in Arkansas

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.

Education is examined the same way in Arkansas as in any other venue: the question is whether the degree covered the tools the opinion actually uses. A master's or doctorate in economics supplies the theory of wages, labor supply, and market behavior behind a lost earnings or lost profits analysis, and an MBA or a master's in finance supplies the financial mathematics, valuation, and financial statement analysis behind a business valuation or a divorce financial analysis. For a matter venued in Arkansas, counsel can read the degree against the report: an opinion on present value, worklife, or household services sits squarely inside an economics degree, while a valuation opinion should be backed by valuation training or recognized valuation credentials as well. The degree is confirmed from the transcript or the institution, and it is weighed together with the economist's testimony record rather than on its own.

KW Economics economists apply nationally recognized methods while accounting for Arkansas's wage levels, venue, and damages rules.

Arkansas courts and venues

Economic damages experts testify in Arkansas's courts, where qualification is decided case by case on education, method, and experience rather than on any single credential.

Highest court: Arkansas Supreme Court. Federal venues: E.D. Ark., W.D. Ark. Court system: courts.arkansas.gov.

Forensic economists for Arkansas matters

KW Economics provides forensic economists for Arkansas 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.

Other credentials in Arkansas

Frequently asked: qualifying a forensic economist in Arkansas

How do Arkansas courts qualify a forensic economist?

Arkansas trial courts act as gatekeepers and ask whether the economist's method is reliable, whether it has been tested and accepted in the profession, and whether it fits the facts of the case, with qualification resting on training and experience. A report that states its assumptions and cites its data sources answers those questions on its face. 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.

More questions about this credential

References

Request a consultation on Arkansas damages matters or call (201) 343-0700. Plaintiff and defense counsel.