Becoming an Expert Witness: Perspectives from a Psychologist and an Attorney
This webinar is being provided in partnership with Rutgers Law School
Description
Professional psychologists have broad-based training in the science and practice of psychology. Specialized training in assessment and treatment of mental health problems, knowledge of assorted psychological constructs ( e.g., memory), and knowledge of psychometric considerations underlying the measurement of constructs results in psychologists being of significant utility to the courts. Being an expert witness demands specialized knowledge and training that is rarely offered in doctoral and post-doctoral education and training. Participants in this seminar will learn the role and functions of a psychological expert witness and how non-forensic practice differs from forensic practice as an evaluator and potential expert witness. Information about the assorted court systems (Federal vs assorted state courts; criminal, civil, and family courts) will be presented as will considerations for effective expert witness testimony across court systems and jurisdictions. This joint presentation by a psychologist and an attorney is intended to provide a balanced perspective on the fundamentals of expert witness testimony.
Learning Objectives
This workshop is designed to help attendees:
- Define the term "expert witness" and list at least three circumstances in which psychological expert witness testimony may be sought.
- Explain the primary functions of the criminal, civil, family, and administrative courts in New Jersey.
- Provide at least one example of circumstances under which psychological expert witness testimony might be sought, why and how an attorney might select an expert, and considerations involved in serving as a psychological expert witness.
Instructor Bios
Daniel Bromberg, Ph.D., ABPP, is the Director of Special Psychological Services, LLC, Newtown, Pennsylvania (previously located in Bloomfield, New Jersey). He is licensed to practice psychology in several states and is Board Certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. Dr. Bromberg provides a range of assessment and treatment services regarding issues of childhood maltreatment and has a special interest in working with individuals who exhibit sexual behavioral problems. In New Jersey, he has testified as an expert witness in both family and criminal court matters and has been deposed in civil matters regarding alleged “psychological injury” resulting from child sexual abuse. Dr. Bromberg has co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles on matters of child protection and has co-authored and co-edited several books about adolescents and adults who engage in problematic sexual behaviors.
Jason Kanterman is a trial lawyer and litigator at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP where his practice focuses on representing individuals and institutional clients in affirmative and defensive litigation across a diverse range of industries and disciplines.Clients routinely seek Jason's counsel in matters involving sophisticated business disputes, securities litigation, intellectual property litigation, whistleblower and False Claims Act litigation, class actions and multidistrict litigation, constitutional rights litigation, insurance-related disputes, transportation and logistics disputes, and employment matters. Jason also conducts investigations and counsels clients in pre-suit strategy and alternative dispute resolution. Jason has tried several cases to verdict, regularly argues dispositive and non-dispositive motions in state and federal courts throughout the country, and has represented clients in successful appeals before state and federal appellate courts including the US Supreme Court. A true generalist operating on both side of the aisle, Jason has helped secure judgments for his plaintiff-side clients exceeding $100 million and has helped his defense-side clients avoid equally significant exposure. Jason also maintains an active public interest practice, regularly representing both individual and institutional clients in impact litigation, civil rights litigation, and voting rights litigation throughout the country. For example, Jason was appointed lead counsel in a federal civil rights case by a United States District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey, an engagement that resolved favorably for his client by way of confidential settlement. Jason also currently serves on the steering committee for a consolidated federal voting rights litigation in United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. And he also represents parties in federal criminal actions through the Criminal Justice Act panel for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. In 2021, Jason was selected as a "New Leader of the Bar" by New Jersey Law Journal, which recognizes attorneys under the age of 40 who have left an indelible mark on the legal community and bring both notable achievements and outstanding potential to the table. In 2023, Jason was elected as a Trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey and currently serves as the Young Lawyer Chairperson for that organization. When not actively litigating, Jason serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Rutgers Law School where he teaches litigation skills courses including deposition practice and trial advocacy. A frequent lecturer and writer, he regularly presents continuing education courses and authors law review articles, invited essays, and book chapters on litigation-related topics. Prior to joining Fried Frank, Jason practiced at a boutique litigation firm.
The instructors have no conflicts of interest for this program.
Rutgers Law School
As the law school for a top public university, Rutgers Law School is committed to the highest standards of teaching, scholarship, and service to its host communities, the state of New Jersey, and the nation. Rutgers Law offers a top-tier faculty, an extensive curriculum covering theory, practice, and interdisciplinary studies, and a geographic footprint spanning major legal markets on the East Coast. We boast a vast alum network of over 20,000 members and a rich history promoting diversity and contributing to social causes. As the law school affiliated with a leading public university, we uphold an unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, publicly engaged scholarship, and community engagement
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.