Facilitator Guide

Selecting an Expert

Facilitator Guide

Selecting an Expert

Topic: Experts
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s covered

Which issues you may need an expert for
How to do your search
Vetting candidates
Interviewing candidates
Assessing presentability
Retaining the expert

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/selecting-an-expert/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Selecting an Expert

Strategic considerations for how (and when) to choose an expert for your case. Includes tips for your initial search and vetting process, and a detailed discussion of how to effectively interview candidates and assess them for the role.
Exercise
PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

When is the best time to hire an expert? Why?
What are some places to look when conducting your search for expert candidates?
What should you look for when checking a candidate’s qualifications?
What are some things to look for when you’re vetting a candidate’s history? Why?
When interviewing a candidate, what are some helpful questions to ask?
Once you’ve chosen an expert, what are some issues to discuss with them before you get started?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Experts topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.