Process
How expert placement works
From initial inquiry to expert shortlist, our process is designed to align with litigation workflows and clear communication.
Start a matter inquirySubmit your matter details
Complete our secure intake form with a brief description of your AI matter, jurisdiction, timeline, and relevant technical background. You do not need to share confidential communications at this stage.
- Secure and confidential intake
- No obligation to retain
- Available for federal and state matters nationwide
Technical triage
We conduct a structured technical triage before any expert search begins. This step identifies the AI systems involved, the technical questions at issue, and the required expertise, distinguishing technical analysis from legal liability determinations. Triage informs the expert profile matching matter requirements.
- Structured technical issue identification
- Expert profile definition before search begins
- Conflict check initiated upon intake
- Initial assessment provided following review
Expert identification and vetting
We search our curated network for candidates with the background, methodology, and availability your case demands. We evaluate each candidate's credentials, prior testimony experience, publication record, and suitability for your specific issues.
- Curated network, not a generic directory
- Evaluation of prior testimony experience
- Assessment of methodological rigor and courtroom readiness
Candidate shortlist presentation
We present a shortlist of qualified candidates with relevant credentials, experience summaries, conflict check status, and availability. This provides enough information for an informed selection decision without requiring you to conduct vetting from scratch.
- Curated candidate shortlists presented for review
- Credential summaries and relevant experience
- Conflict check status and availability review
Expert introduction and engagement
We facilitate the introduction between your team and the selected expert, supporting retention documentation, initial briefing, and data request coordination. We remain available throughout the engagement to support timeline management.
- Facilitated introduction and initial briefing
- Retention documentation support
- Ongoing engagement support available
Ongoing support
We remain available as a resource throughout the engagement. If the matter evolves and additional expertise is needed, or if circumstances require an expert transition, we assist with identifying additional resources and managing the change.
- Available for additional expert identification
- Support for expert transitions if needed
- Technical consultation available throughout
Our standards
What we evaluate in every expert
We do not maintain a large directory of self-registered experts. We maintain a curated network and conduct targeted searches. Expert evaluations consider criteria such as the following.
Technical credentials
Relevant academic credentials, publications, and demonstrated expertise in the specific AI domain at issue.
Methodological rigor
A documented, reproducible methodology designed to support judicial admissibility standards, recognizing that courts assess admissibility and that analytical work should be methodologically transparent.
Prior testimony experience
Experience with expert reports, depositions, and trial testimony, or the academic and professional background to support a credible first engagement.
Source verification practices
A commitment to human verification of all sources and citations, with no reliance on unverified AI-generated content.
Communication ability
The ability to explain complex AI concepts clearly and credibly to judges, juries, and opposing counsel.
Conflict-free status
A clean conflict check with respect to the parties, counsel, and subject matter of the specific case.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What qualifies someone as an AI expert witness?
An AI expert witness must have specialized knowledge in the technical area at issue, whether machine learning systems, algorithmic decision-making, digital forensics, or AI-generated media. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and analogous state standards, the expert must be qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, and must apply reliable principles and methods to the facts of the case. The 2023 amendment to Rule 702 heightened the gatekeeping standard, placing emphasis on documented methodology and verifiable analytical processes. Qualifications are evaluated on a matter-by-matter basis, and specific technical issues determine what background is required.
How is an AI expert witness different from a general technology expert?
A general technology expert has broad familiarity with software systems, networks, or digital devices. An AI expert witness has specific expertise in the design, training, evaluation, and failure modes of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. This distinction matters because AI systems raise technical questions that general technology expertise does not address, including model architecture, training data composition, algorithmic output evaluation, and statistical methods used to assess system performance and bias. Courts scrutinize whether an expert's specific background matches the technical issues in the case.
Do your experts testify in court?
Yes. Our experts are available for deposition testimony, trial testimony, and arbitration proceedings, as well as expert report preparation, rebuttal analysis, and consulting roles. Expert testimony focuses on technical analysis and empirical evaluation, remaining distinct from legal conclusions or ultimate liability determinations, with admissibility assessed by the court. The appropriate role depends on the matter and is discussed during the initial consultation. We also identify experts for consulting-only engagements where attorneys need technical guidance to evaluate opposing expert opinions.
What does the Daubert standard require of an AI expert?
Under Daubert and the 2023 amendment to Federal Rule of Evidence 702, a court must find that an expert's opinion reflects a reliable application of principles and methods to the facts of the case. For AI expert witnesses, this means the expert must document specific analytical steps taken, identify tools and data used, explain the basis for each conclusion, and acknowledge analytical limits. Opinions relying on undisclosed or unverifiable methodology are vulnerable to exclusion. We evaluate every expert against these standards before presentation.
What is the typical timeline for review and retention?
Conflict checks and initial reviews are initiated upon receiving your inquiry. Timelines vary depending on matter complexity, expert availability, and specific technical requirements. Contact us directly to discuss time-sensitive deadlines and scheduling needs.
Do you support both civil and criminal matters?
Yes. We support both civil litigation and criminal defense matters involving AI-related technical issues. This includes cases involving AI-generated or AI-processed digital evidence, algorithmic decision systems, deepfake media, digital forensics, and government AI deployments. The intake process is identical for civil and criminal matters.
What information do I need to provide to get started?
A brief description of the matter, jurisdiction, technical issues, and timeline is sufficient to begin. You do not need to share confidential attorney-client communications or privileged work product at intake. Specific details about the AI system or digital evidence help us define the required expert profile more precisely.
Do you work on both plaintiff and defense matters?
Yes. We work with attorneys on both sides of AI-related disputes. Our role is to identify the right technical expert for the matter, not to advocate for a particular outcome. We conduct conflict checks to ensure experts have no prior relationships with any party, counsel, or subject matter that creates a conflict.
What jurisdictions do you cover?
We are based in California and are available for federal and state matters nationwide. We have familiarity with the Northern District of California, the Central District of California, the Southern District of California, and California state court proceedings. We also work with attorneys in other federal circuits and state jurisdictions where AI litigation arises.
Can the firm provide direct expert services, not just placement?
Yes. In addition to expert placement, the firm provides direct AI systems advisory and testifying expert services in appropriate matters. Contact us to discuss whether your matter fits direct engagement.
How do you handle conflicts of interest?
We initiate conflict checks immediately upon receiving a matter inquiry. We check for prior relationships between network experts and parties, counsel, and case subject matter. Experts are not presented if a conflict exists. If a conflict arises after engagement begins, we notify you promptly and assist with finding a replacement.
What types of AI matters do you handle?
We handle matters across the full range of AI litigation, including deepfake and synthetic media disputes, algorithm bias and discrimination claims, machine learning system failures and product liability, AI evidence authentication, AI intellectual property disputes, AI employment discrimination, and government AI system challenges. If your matter involves an AI or algorithmic system and you are uncertain whether it falls within our scope, contact us and we will advise.
How do you handle fees?
Placement fees are discussed during the initial consultation and structured around matter scope and complexity. Expert witness fees are set by individual experts and remain separate from our placement fees. For direct advisory and expert services, fees are discussed on a matter-by-matter basis. We do not charge for initial consultations or conflict checks.
How can qualified AI professionals join the expert network?
Qualified AI researchers, engineers, and technical specialists interested in serving as expert witnesses can contact us to submit their credentials and review network participation considerations.
Get started
Start with the technical question
Begin a non-confidential matter triage to identify the technical issue, litigation posture, and expert profile that may fit the matter.