Attorneys who have never used an expert referral service may question the benefits of going that route, rather than continuing to find their own experts. Indeed, that very question has often been asked of us during our 14 years in the business. As a result (and without speaking for other referral services), we can comprehensively explain the benefits of working with our firm, Vident Partners.
While we recognize that there are other companies that technically are our competitors, we believe our way of doing things is unique in the field. We have always focused on a consultative approach to referral, rather than using algorithms or automated search “methodologies” to replace the human element.
After receiving an inquiry from an attorney or paralegal, we call them to obtain detailed information about the case. After that discussion, we begin the process of identifying potential experts, using our extensive expert database and, if necessary, conducting an exhaustive Internet search.
We then contact one or more candidates and review the case with them to determine if they are qualified to serve as an expert on the matter in question, if the case summary we’ve presented is sufficient to enable them to agree to review the matter, and if their personal characteristics fit the case. We evaluate our experience with each expert, their personalities, their accents, their institutional affiliations, their subtle but often important tendency to favor plaintiff or defense, and their ability to make themselves attractive to juries. We often discuss our cases with each other (there are three partners in Vident Partners – Peter George, Marty Aisenberg, and Arie George), and when we’re confident that we’ve selected the ideal expert, we make the referral. Of course, sometimes a client wants to consider more than one potential expert, and we’re always willing to submit additional candidates. Our clients retain our recommended experts more than 70% of the time on average, and that retention rate rises to almost 100% for the clients who use us regularly.
Furthermore, the in-depth conversations that we have with the client and with potential experts often enable us to provide the client with new insights into a case, or to sharpen the issues, or to determine that the case requires an expert in a different field of specialization than the one the client originally requested. In effect, we are a consulting firm that specializes in expert search and referral, and we do not charge for this value-added aspect of our service.
In summary, we provide concierge-level service. We handle each assignment in a customized manner, using our knowledge of the case, our knowledge of the experts, and our years of working with both plaintiff and defense attorneys in virtually every jurisdiction in the United States and Canada. Our goal is always to select the right expert for each case. We are always available for consultation, and there is no fee for our services unless you retain an expert we’ve referred to you. We hope that you will give us the opportunity to work with your firm and demonstrate our skill in meeting your expectations.
