The Expert Witness Podcast

Episode 18 - Interview with Rob Irion - Engineering to Help People

In this episode, we learn from Rob Irion, a mechanical engineer with experience in the medical device and medical equipment industry--he is a named patent inventor in MRI scanner technology. Rob also has extensive experience in the oil & gas, trailer, industrial equipment, and heavy lifting equipment industries. We discuss ways in which an expert mechanical engineer's work helps people be safer, the importance of soft skills and communication in expert witness work, and how credentials such as the PE and CSP licenses can bolster credibility and authority. Timestamps: * 02:10 — How Rob became interested in mechanical engineering * 03:58 — Experience in the Medical Device industry * 06:08 — Overcoming failure and other obstacles during the development process * 10:10 — Variety of projects and cases * 14:20 — Rob's early days as an expert witness. Example of his first patent case * 17:22 — Importance of "de-jargoning" and not trying to prove what you know, but what the industry knows * 18:10 — CSP and PE certification discussion * 22:30 — Sales & Marketing role and importance of developing soft skills as an expert witness * 24:32 — Commitment to be someone that helps others * 27:05 — Alpine Engineering & Design's purpose "Engineering to contribute to a just, fair, and safe world" * 29:50 — How to contact Rob Irion (801) 763-8484, ririon@alpineeng.com Key Takeaways from the Episode: * Encountering failure in the development process and how to overcome it. * How engineering can be a vehicle for helping people live safer, healthier lives. * Obtaining credentials, such as the CSP and PE, are effective ways at bolstering credibility and provides a framework for conveying safety principles. * The importance of "de-jargoning" technical concepts and working on soft skills as an expert witness.

Episode 17 - Interview with Jon Marshall - Earning Respect as an Expert

In this episode, we learn from Jon Marshall, a brilliant mechanical engineer, inventor on 77 issued patents, and recipient of the Utah Genius Award in 2013. Jon has extensive experience in the oil & gas, road milling, mining, renewables, modular housing, air-purifying respirators, and other industries. We discuss ways in which an expert mechanical engineer can earn respect and establish himself as an authoritative voice in the industry. Timestamps: * 01:56 — How to gain respect as an expert * 03:12 — Principle 1: Be confident, but respectful * 04:38 — What not to do when credibility is challenged * 11:58 — Principle 2: Learn to say “I don’t know” * 15:48 — Principle 3: Master persuasive communication * 18:38 — Translating complex ideas into clear communication * 24:49 — Final thoughts: Jon’s three credibility principles * 25:06 — How to contact Jon / Alpine Engineering & Design Key Takeaways from the Episode: * Credibility isn’t just expertise. It’s how you carry it: confident, respectful, and grounded in evidence. * Strong experts protect their credibility by knowing their limits and saying “I don’t know” when appropriate. * The best technical experts can translate complex ideas clearly for attorneys, juries, and decision-makers, and do it with human presence, not “robot mode.”

Episode 16 - Interview with John Zeirke - Journey from Design Engineer to Expert Witness

In this episode, we are joined by John Zeirke, a mechanical engineer, licensed professional engineer in multiple states, ACT-R-certified accident reconstructionist, certified vehicle fire investigator, and certified drone pilot. After a career in industry at companies like Caterpillar and Polaris, John has recently started his expert witness consulting firm. [00:56]John shares how he first learned about expert witness work from a college professor but notes that his path to this career built gradually over time. After getting his PE license and substantial industry experience, he recognized how his background could transfer into forensic consulting. [03:07]John details his industry experience, including designing powertrains for Caterpillar's large mining trucks and working on the Polaris Slingshot three-wheel roadster. He discusses the value of his product safety and quality role at Polaris, where he investigated potential safety issues. [09:01]He explains how his experience with product investigations and recall processes at Polaris prepared him for forensic consulting, teaching him to gather information, identify issues, determine root causes, and develop solutions. [20:44] John describes the range of cases he works on, including insurance investigations and complex product liability litigation [https://alpineeng.com/services/product-liability-expert-witness/]. His work typically involves crashes, mechanical failures, and fires, and he applies his engineering expertise to determine whether vehicles or machinery contributed to incidents. [26:12]John discusses what he enjoys about expert witness work, including the variety of equipment he gets to analyze, the project-based nature of the work, and the challenge of clearly communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. John's Experience Handling Unfavorable Findings [31:09]John emphasizes the importance of independence and integrity. He notes that most clients appreciate honest assessments, even when unfavorable because they help them make informed decisions early in the process. [36:22]John highlights communication as essential for new experts. Understanding scope, deadlines, and budget expectations upfront is crucial, as is keeping clients informed without jumping to premature conclusions. [42:17]The most effective marketing comes through reputation and word of mouth. John emphasizes that doing quality work leads to repeat business and referrals. [46:18]John expresses optimism about his future in expert witness work, seeing significant potential for continued growth and learning in this field. You can reach John Zeirke at https://www.jzengineer.com/ [https://www.jzengineer.com/] or on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnzeirke/]. Alpine Engineering (https://alpineeng.com/ [https://alpineeng.com/]) offers services from Product Liability Expert Witness Services [https://alpineeng.com/services/product-liability-expert-witness/] to Intellectual Property Expert Witness Services [https://alpineeng.com/services/intellectual-property-expert-witness/] / Patent Expert Witness Services [https://alpineeng.com/services/patent-expert-witness/] to Accident Investigation Expert Witness Services [https://alpineeng.com/accident-investigation-expert-witness/] and everything in between. For full show notes, visit:https://alpineeng.com/the-expert-witness-podcast-episode-16-interview-with-John-Zeirkes-full-transcript/ How John Transitioned from Industry to Expert Witness WorkHow Industry Experience Influences Expert Witness WorkTypes of Cases and Expert Witness WorkThe Rewards of Expert Witness WorkAdvice for New ExpertsHow to Build a Successful Expert Witness PracticeFinal Thoughts

Episode 15: Interview with Nathan Macdonald a Mechanical Engineering Patent Expert Witness

In this episode, we feature Nathan Macdonald, a licensed professional engineer and certified safety professional with over a decade of experience in product design, ranging from thrill rides to exercise equipment and consumer products. Nathan has spent the last 13 years working at Alpine Engineering and Design, collaborating on multiple design projects, personal injury, and patent cases. [0:59]Nathan shares insights into the various stages of patent litigation and when experts typically get involved. He explains how experts are retained at different points in the process, from pre-litigation testing to last-minute document reviews. [2:44]Nathan explains claim construction, a critical phase where courts define the meaning of words and phrases in a patent. He shares the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic evidence and explains how courts use the patent's written specification, file history, and industry knowledge to determine claim definitions. [5:07]Using an analogy, Nathan compares claim construction to defining property lines before determining infringement. He also discusses how claim construction rulings can make or break a case. [13:49]Nathan outlines the process of determining infringement by comparing accused products to patent claims. He discusses literal infringement versus infringement under the doctrine of equivalents, using real-world examples such as blender testing to prove substantial differences in product designs. [22:01]Nathan explains anticipation, where a patent claim is invalid if all its elements were previously disclosed in a single prior art reference. Additionally, David shares a case illustrating how prior art can impact the validity of a patent. [27:28]He then discusses obviousness, describing how experts evaluate whether an invention is simply a predictable combination of prior technologies. He emphasizes the legal variations of obviousness and how courts assess whether an invention is truly original. [35:46]Nathan discusses the importance of rebuttal reports, where experts critique opposing analyses. He shares a case involving urinal screens, highlighting how he identified flaws in an opposing expert's infringement claim. [45:21]Patent litigation depositions differ from those in personal injury cases. Nathan describes depositions as a strategic chess match, where attorneys attempt to exploit inconsistencies. He shares his experience with a 12-hour deposition, emphasizing the need for experts to remain sharp under pressure. [56:30]Nathan reflects on the challenges of presenting complex patent litigation concepts to juries who lack technical backgrounds. He insists on the importance of clear, concise expert testimony in simplifying patent cases for jurors. _______________ To see more about Nathan MacDonald’s experience, please visit https://alpineeng.com/our-experts/ [https://alpineeng.com/our-experts/] For a full show transcript, go to: https://alpineeng.com/the-expert-witness-podcast-episode-15-interview-with-Nathan -Macdonald-full-transcript/ [https://alpineeng.com/the-expert-witness-podcast-episode-14-interview-with-lloyd-williams-full-transcript/] The Role of an Expert in Patent LitigationClaim Construction and Why It Is EssentialInfringement Analysis and the Doctrine of EquivalentsPatent Validity: Anticipation and ObviousnessRebuttal Reports and DepositionsPatent Trials and Communicating with JuriesThis show is hosted by Alpine Engineering, which provides patent expert witness services [https://alpineeng.com/services/patent-expert-witness/] and intellectual property expert witness services [https://alpineeng.com/services/intellectual-property-expert-witness/] related to mechanical engineering.

Episode 14: Interview with Lloyd Williams, a Hotel Management Expert Witness

In this episode, we are joined by Lloyd Williams, a respected hotelier and expert witness from Minnesota. With extensive experience in managing all aspects of complex hotel and resort operations, Lloyd has overseen assets with revenues up to $62 million. He is known for his hands-on approach to human resources, staff development, finance, marketing, and revenue management. Lloyd's expertise spans various ownership structures, and he is recognized for his focus on guest satisfaction, employee wellbeing, and maintaining high standards in the hospitality industry. As an expert witness, Lloyd shares his insights and knowledge across the country, bringing valuable perspective to cases in the hotel and resort sector. [01:38] How Lloyd got into expert witness work Lloyd shares how he unexpectedly entered expert witness work after being recommended by an asset manager to a law firm, leading to his first case in 2016. [05:56] Does being active in the industry help Lloyd as an expert witness? Lloyd explains how staying involved in the hospitality industry keeps him up-to-date with current practices, enhancing his credibility and effectiveness as an expert witness. [09:32] The things that expert witnesses should consider before taking a case Lloyd discusses the importance of assessing one's specific competencies and ensuring they align with the case requirements before accepting expert witness work. [13:27] The benefits of being involved early on in a case as an expert witness Lloyd highlights the advantages of early involvement in cases, particularly in the discovery process, which helps streamline the case preparation and enhances the expert's understanding. [17:21] Handling opinions outside what you are comfortable with as an expert witness Lloyd describes his approach to addressing situations where attorneys might ask for opinions beyond his expertise, emphasizing open communication and staying within his competencies. [21:04] What expert witnesses mostly look at in cases where people are injured in the hospitality industry Lloyd explains that he focuses on a mix of factors, including staff training, organizational structure, and safety protocols when examining injury cases in hotels. [29:15] The red flags of a bad hotel that people should be aware of Lloyd provides advice on how to identify potentially unsafe hotels by thoroughly reading online reviews and looking for specific warning signs. [34:30] The basics in hospitality that apply directly to expert witness work and make you better expert Lloyd discusses how core hospitality principles, such as prioritizing guest and employee safety, directly apply to and enhance his expert witness work. [41:11] The best thing of working in the hospitality industry Lloyd shares memorable experiences from his career, including interactions with notable figures like President Obama and Lawrence Rockefeller. [48:45] What to do as an expert witness to build trust and get repeat clients Lloyd outlines strategies for building strong relationships with attorneys, including being readily available, respecting support staff, and providing detailed billings. [55:58] Is adding expert witness work as a service something that Lloyd would do again? Lloyd affirms that he would add expert witness work to his services again, but emphasizes the importance of having substantial industry experience first. ***** Lloyd Williams is represented by Expert Institute [https://www.expertinstitute.com/]. You can contact Lloyd Williams directly at lwilliams.hotelexpert@gmail.com [lwilliams.hotelexpert@gmail.com] David Smith is the President of Alpine Engineering and Design. Alpine Engineering provides unbiased mechanical engineering expert witness [https://alpineeng.com/services/mechanical-engineering-expert-witness/] testimony. You can reach them at https://alpineeng.com/contact/ [https://alpineeng.com/contact/] See the full podcast transcription at https://alpineeng.com/the-expert-witness-podcast-episode-14-interview-with-lloyd-williams-full-transcript/ [https://alpineeng.com/the-expert-witness-podcast-episode-14-interview-with-lloyd-williams-full-transcript/]