Expert witnesses are a big part of many legal cases. They provide testimony about their area of expertise to help settle disputes and sometimes educate a jury. For example, an expert accountant may provide testimony about money laundering or tax evasion cases, using their years of experience to help a judge or jury make their decision. As the world continues to take place more and more online, the types of expert witnesses a law firm needs change. Below, we’ll outline some of the most common types of tech experts that your law firm may need to use one day.
A Cybersecurity Expert Witness
Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems from unwanted intrusions. Businesses and individuals all over the world rely on computer systems to store private data. However, even the best cybersecurity systems can have flaws in them, which leave them open to exploitation. If someone breaks into a computer system through the internet or in person, this often constitutes a crime.
As a law firm, you may have a case that involves cybersecurity. For example, a business may sue an individual for breaking into their private systems or an individual may sue a company for exposing their private data. In cases like this, a cybersecurity expert can provide testimony related to the reliability of cybersecurity systems and the processes used to break into them. Cybersecurity experts are individuals who have years of experience in developing protection software and how to guard against common intrusions, making them the perfect people to provide testimony in these cases.
An SEO Expert Witness
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Broadly speaking, this marketing tactic can help websites appear higher in search results, a common goal for many businesses. A Search engine optimization expert witness can provide expert testimony on topics like website effectiveness, marketing tactics, social media strategies, and online advertising campaigns. SEO expert witnesses have years of experience in marketing businesses online, making them uniquely qualified to provide opinions in cases where a business’s or individual’s marketing strategies are in question.
An Information Technology Expert Witness
An information technology expert can provide testimony on a wide range of topics. One of the most common uses for IT expert witnesses is in cases related to data records and database management. For example, you may need an IT expert to talk about the process by which information is stored in a database and how those records are accessed. Some IT professionals have specialty areas, such as healthcare. If your law firm needs an IT expert witness, you should consider looking for one with experience in the particular area you need.
Computer Programming Expert Witness
A computer programming expert witness is someone with advanced computer program development process knowledge. They know several coding languages and how these languages are used in development environments to produce software, applications, and other computer tools. You may need a computer programming expert in cases where there is a question about the authorship of a program or when Copyright protections are in question. Computer programming expert witnesses can also often provide testimony related to topics such as cybersecurity, data management, and privacy.
Plagiarism Expert
Finally, your law firm may need a plagiarism expert. Plagiarism is when an individual or other entity copies someone else’s intellectual property. Since there are now thousands of products created online each day, such as writings, artwork, and computer programs, it’s common for plagiarism cases to arise related to digital works. A plagiarism expert can help identify whether an item was plagiarized by examining the original content and the item in question, including digital signifiers within the file. For example, a plagiarism expert may look at the source code of an application to identify signs of plagiarism that aren’t necessarily noticeable to an untrained eye.
Use a Technology Expert Witness for Your Next Case
There may come a time when your law firm needs the help of an expert on a difficult case involving technology. When this time comes, you’ll want to work with someone who has expert knowledge of the issues you’re dealing with. Whether your case involves online marketing practices, digital files, or online privacy issues, a technology expert witness can help to explain difficult concepts and provide compelling testimony for your side of the case. Explore the different types of expert witnesses that are out there then choose one that has the most knowledge related to your case.
