Frequently Asked Questions

Expert directories are static lists. Criterion is an active search service. We don't pull your expert from a database. We conduct a case-specific search of our Panel, run conflict and credential screening, and deliver vetted candidates who match your exact needs — not just checkbox specialties.

You'll typically receive 1–3 pre-vetted candidate profiles for your case. Each profile includes full CV, practice summary, relevant experience, rates, and availability. If none of the initial candidates fit, we can conduct a second search at no additional charge.

Our Panel spans medical, surgical, dental, psychological, engineering, construction, financial, accounting, and business disciplines. Within medicine alone, we source experts across all major specialties and subspecialties. Contact us with your case details to confirm we can support your specific area of need.

Yes. We support firms managing multiple cases and expert searches in parallel. You can submit searches for different cases with different deadlines, and we manage each search independently while maintaining continuity of communication.

Every expert on the Criterion Panel undergoes a full background check. We verify credentials, check for prior adverse findings or disciplinary actions, and review litigation history before any panel acceptance. Conflict-of-interest screening is also run for each case match.

Conflict screening is part of our selection process. We confirm that all introduced experts have no material conflicts with your case, opposing parties, or prior litigation. This vetting happens before introduction — you are never surprised by a conflict issue.

We introduce you directly to the expert and step back. You and your expert work directly from that point forward. We remain available for logistics, scheduling support, additional expert needs on the same case, or any coordination issues that arise.

We take a markup on expert hourly rates. The expert's engagement terms (hourly rate, retainer, project fee) are disclosed transparently in their profile before introduction. There are no hidden fees, research charges, or additional Criterion markup beyond the stated rate.

You should have active practice credentials, board certification (if applicable), a clean disciplinary record, and litigation experience or willingness to develop it. You don't need to be a "career expert" — many of our panelists maintain primary practices while taking selective cases through Criterion.

We don't operate as a passive marketplace where you post a profile and wait for calls. Criterion is a curated panel. We actively source cases that match your practice and expertise. We handle vetting, conflict screening, case matching, and initial logistics so you can focus on your practice and the expert work itself.

No minimum commitments. You control your availability and case load. Some panel members take one or two cases a year; others take several per month. You decide what works for your practice and schedule, and we respect those boundaries.

Submit your credentials and CV through our application form. We review your background, verify credentials with licensing boards, conduct a background check, and conduct a brief phone conversation to assess fit and expectations. The process typically takes 2–3 business days. All applicants undergo credential verification — acceptance is not automatic.

Yes. You set your hourly rate, retainer requirements, and project fees. These terms are included in your expert profile and disclosed to law firms before any introduction. We take a markup on your rates, but your compensation is transparent and set by you.

Absolutely. You can decline any case introduction for any reason — conflict, schedule, subject matter, or just not interested. Declining cases does not affect your panel membership or future introductions.

Your participation on the Criterion Panel is confidential unless you choose to disclose it. Your expert profile is seen only by law firms requesting cases in your specialty, and case details are protected by confidentiality agreements binding all parties.

We coordinate the initial scheduling and case logistics. After introduction, you work directly with the law firm. But our case managers remain available if you need support with deadlines, document flow, report submission, or any coordination issues that arise during the engagement.

Yes. Many panel members start with peer reviews or record analysis before taking on testimony work. You control the depth of your involvement in each case, and Criterion supports that progression as your comfort and availability grow.