An introduction
Litigation support requires a trained and experienced expert as it involves confidence, research, education, experience and good communication skills. As far as job requirements for litigation are concerned, it depends upon the size and type of assignment. It is because a large assignment needs more skilled candidate to handle matters that are related to great amount of money. It is important for all those individuals to understand basic requirements who want to work in this field of accounting system. Like many other job requirements there is need of experienced expert because it is considered better than young individuals with innovative thoughts and ideas can perform more enthusiastically, perhaps they lack experience or make mistakes because they do not have experienced in this field. However, on other hand when any experienced candidate tried to switch his or her jobs, then their experienced is considered foremost, but various investigations are also conducted related to them such as their past performances and the reason for which are they take up an assignment. In addition, it is also very important for experienced candidates to understand that only accounting and auditing experience is not sufficient to call oneself litigation expert, but the candidate should have some professional past experience as well in order to perform well in the future (Schauer, 2006).
Experience, which is most suitable for this job can be gained by conducting investigation in many different ways such as practicing and giving evidence or by conducting research in the field. Secondly, there are certain education credentials that are required for better performance. Lack of qualification cannot be considered the main factor of rejecting any litigation expert. It is because a candidate may not have a required degree, but might have years of experience, knowledge and proficiency that is foremost for conducting effective litigation support. In addition, the best way of verifying credentials is to check the provided references.
Therefore, it is important for person wishing to offer litigation support to consider his qualification and experience in the field as well as get more information about the field. The issue of increasing income should not be considered as a motivation of taking up an assignment. The professional should know that he would acquire the necessary experience slowly and over a long period. This is usually done successfully through a mentor in the field.
List of mistakes that the expert made
The Calvin made a number of mistakes that had effect on his profession and work. The list below covers the mistakes made;
- He misled Esquire about his experience in matters relating to litigation with the hope of learning from his first assignment.
- He did not have any qualification and background of the job he decided to take.
- He put money first as compared to his reputation and professional ethics
- He did not consider the availability of time to handle the work that was associated with the assignment he was taking.
- He was not involved in the preparation of the letters of engagement
- He did not take time to review or ask an expert to review the letter of engagement before signing it. The letter had clauses that were not favorable to him.
- He did not ask for a retainer
- He did not ask for his fees before making his testimony.
- He had no idea about the market rates being charged for such jobs before quoting his fees.
- He did not consider contingency fees and payment terms proposed by the attorney.
- He accepted to work for an attorney who is asking low results for the outcome.
- He lacked contingency plans in case the trial was delayed and tax season reached.
- He should have reviewed the report and CV prepared by the attorney to understand the contents.
- He failed to include all the documents that formed the basis of his opinion showing how he calculated damages.
- He assumed the CV was similar to resume thus making a grievous mistake as Doright could declared his evidence non-reliable and exclude it.
- He failed to learn the facts about the case so that he can be accurate in his assessment.
- He did ask Esquire to provide him with details relating medical, dental, marital statues and disability.
- He did not press the attorney to provide him with specific dates for his testimony instead
Conclusions
As far as Calvins case is concerned, in my perception, litigation support would definitely help him to increase his revenue but requires necessary experience and qualification. A litigation expert can conduct assessment fairly and accurately when he understands his job. The required standards emphasize the need for techniques and procedures to be generally accepted in their particular field before evidence from them may be admissible in court. In addition, in professional negligence a litigation expert can play a part to examine the breach of professional ethics or any other practices of professional matter that takes place.
Reference
Schauer, F. (2006). On the supposed Jury-dependence of evidence law. University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 155, 165-202.