It is recommended that an expert witness arrive at the courtroom about fifteen minutes before court is scheduled to commence unless other arrangements have been made with the attorney. This will allow the expert an opportunity find the correct courtroom and to be comfortable. Anxiety over being late or lost can negatively affect a witness’s performance on the witness stand and this is one area an expert has control over. Being early also allows both the expert and the attorney to deal with any last-minute questions.
Waiting can be frustrating and counterproductive. Beyond keeping in touch with counsel regarding timing, there are some things an expert witness can do to help with the waiting period.
Final Evidence Review
Take this last opportunity to review your evidence and related papers if needed. The better your command of the evidence, the more impressed the jury will be with your testimony.
Engage in Other Productive Work
If no further review is needed, then it is helpful to have other work to do while waiting so that you will have a sense of accomplishment rather than a sense of building frustration over your time not being optimally utilized. While an expert witness has little control over what is happening in the courtroom, at least this way the expert can make use of this “extra” time.
Go for a Walk!
If you are told that you will not be needed for another hour and no further review of your evidence is needed and you have done any extra work you brought with you, then take the opportunity to go for a walk, browse a store, get a coffee or anything else that is enjoyable. Over-preparation is counterproductive, so engaging in a pleasant activity rather than stewing outside the courtroom will give you an opportunity to clear your head.
Summary
Few people enjoy waiting and being at the mercy of someone else’s scheduling. Often times, things happen in a trial that even the most organized attorney cannot predict and sometimes even expert witnesses have to wait. Following these tips will help to alleviate the frustration that can arise while waiting to testify.