Frequently Asked Questions

Most case requests receive pre-vetted expert candidate profiles within 24–48 hours of submission. Urgent requests — where disclosure deadlines or deposition dates are imminent — can often be expedited. Note your timeline clearly in the case intake form and we will prioritize accordingly.

A directory returns whoever has listed themselves in the right category. Criterion conducts an active search — specific to your case, jurisdiction, and theory of liability. Every candidate is conflict-checked, credential-verified, and screened for Daubert readiness before their profile reaches you. The result is a curated shortlist, not a search result you have to call through yourself.

Typically two to three pre-vetted profiles per search. We present candidates who genuinely match the case requirements rather than a longer list of marginal options. If the first round of candidates does not result in a match, we search again at no additional charge.

Criterion sources expert witnesses across all major litigation specialties — medical malpractice, personal injury, construction defect, intellectual property, commercial litigation, environmental, real estate, engineering, and more. In addition to expert witness placement, we provide peer review and record analysis, independent medical examinations, bill review, and site and facility inspections. If your case requires a specialist, submit it and we will tell you whether it is something we can source.

Yes. Firms with ongoing expert needs across multiple active matters can submit multiple case requests. Each is handled independently with its own search and candidate set. Firms with regular volume may benefit from a retainer arrangement — contact us to discuss.

Every expert on the Criterion Panel undergoes credential verification — licenses, board certifications, current practice status, and institutional affiliations — as well as a full background check and conflict-of-interest screening before acceptance. For each case match, we re-verify availability and run conflict screening against the specific case parties before presenting a candidate.

For each candidate we present, we evaluate current active practice status, prior testimony history, publication record, and any prior exclusion findings or adverse Daubert rulings. These factors are assessed in the context of your specific case — an expert who would survive challenge in one matter may not in another. We flag known risk factors in the candidate profile before you make a selection.

Experience varies. Some panel members have extensive deposition and trial testimony records; others are active practitioners with strong clinical or technical credentials but limited prior testimony. We disclose experience level clearly in every candidate profile. First-time witnesses are only presented when their credentials and case fit justify it — and we note it explicitly so you can make an informed decision.

Yes. All case details and client information are handled under strict confidentiality and secure data controls. Case information is used solely to conduct the expert search and is not shared beyond what is necessary to identify and evaluate candidates. All panel members are bound by confidentiality agreements.

Whether a consulting expert must be disclosed depends on the applicable jurisdiction rules and how the attorney uses that expert. Criterion does not dictate expert strategy. For peer review and record analysis engagements specifically, the reviewer is not introduced to opposing counsel and their identity remains confidential unless and until you choose to retain them as a testifying expert.

Pricing varies by service and engagement scope. Expert search and placement, peer review, IME coordination, bill review, and site inspections are each priced based on the specifics of the matter. Firms with recurring expert needs may be better served by a retainer arrangement. Contact us directly at contact@criterionexpertpartners.com for a quote specific to your situation.

If a candidate does not work out — due to scheduling conflict, a newly discovered issue, or a mismatch that becomes clear after the initial introduction — Criterion searches again. We do not consider a placement complete until the expert is successfully engaged on the case.

Yes. Peer review, IME, and bill review are frequently coordinated concurrently for the same matter. Submit your case and note all the services you anticipate needing — we will coordinate across them as a single engagement rather than requiring separate intake for each.