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. NAFE membership adds a published ethics statement and a peer-reviewed literature that counsel can hold any report against; it does not replace that inquiry, and it is not a certification.
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.
NAFE membership means the same thing in California as anywhere else, because the association is national and no state recognizes or requires it: the economist has joined the field's professional body and agreed to its ethics statement. What that gives counsel in a matter venued in California is a written standard to test a report against, including an opposing report: disclosed data and assumptions, a method the economist would apply the same way for either side, and fees that do not depend on the outcome. Membership is verified with the association for the year in question rather than from a CV line, and the affiliations of the economist assigned to a matter venued in California are confirmed at engagement.
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.