How Criterion Works
From your first case submission to a confirmed expert engagement — here is exactly what happens, in what order, and what to expect at each step.
1 business day first response
24–48 hour expert profiles
Conflict-cleared candidates only
Full vetting before any introduction
The Process
What happens after you submit a case
Every engagement follows the same structure. There are no surprises and no ambiguity about what we are doing or when.
You submit your case details
Use the case intake form to tell us the service you need, the expert specialty, practice area, jurisdiction, timeline, and a brief description of what the expert will need to address. Two to three sentences on the case is enough at this stage — we will gather more detail in follow-up if needed. The form takes under five minutes.
Your time: 5 minutes
A search specialist reviews your case
Within 1 business day of submission, a Criterion search specialist reviews your case details. We assess the specialty fit, sub-specialty requirements, geographic constraints, timeline pressure, and any specific qualities the case demands — active practitioner versus retired, plaintiff-friendly testimony history, specific sub-specialty, or particular jurisdictional experience. We may contact you with a clarifying question if the case requires it.
Our response: Within 1 business day
We conduct an active search
We search the Criterion Panel for candidates who match your case criteria. This is not a database query — it is an active search conducted specifically for your matter. Candidates are identified based on specialty and sub-specialty match, current active practice status, geographic fit, and availability within your timeline. We evaluate each candidate before any contact is made with them.
Active search: Simultaneous with case review
Conflict screening and Daubert evaluation
Every candidate who passes the initial specialty and availability screen is run through conflict screening against your case parties. We also evaluate Daubert readiness — reviewing current active practice status, prior testimony record, publication history, and any prior exclusion findings or adverse rulings — before any profile is prepared. Candidates who do not clear this screening are removed from consideration.
Screening: Parallel to candidate identification
You receive pre-vetted expert profiles
You receive two to three curated expert profiles — typically within 24–48 hours of your initial submission — each including full CV and credentials, conflict clearance confirmation, availability within your timeline, fee structure and billing terms, and a Daubert readiness summary noting any material factors you should know. No cold calls required. You review the profiles and select the expert who fits your case.
Profile delivery: 24–48 hours from submission
Introduction and engagement support
Once you select an expert, Criterion facilitates the introduction and manages the initial engagement logistics — including scheduling the first call and transmitting any initial case materials the expert requires to get started. We remain available throughout the engagement as a coordination resource. If the first expert does not work out for any reason, we search again at no additional charge.
Introduction: Same day as your selection
What to Expect
Working with Criterion
A few things that distinguish working with Criterion from using a directory or database service.
You always know the status
Criterion does not go quiet after intake. If we need more time — because the specialty is narrow, the jurisdiction is limited, or the timeline is compressed — we tell you that explicitly rather than leaving you in the dark. You will always know where your search stands.
We tell you when the fit isn't strong
If a case produces a weak field — limited candidates, marginal specialty matches, or a timeline that cannot be met — we say so clearly rather than presenting a marginal candidate as if they were the right fit. A candid answer serves the case better than a forced placement.
Turnaround pressure is accounted for
Expert disclosure deadlines and deposition dates are real constraints. If your timeline is compressed, flag it clearly in the intake form and we will treat it as the priority it is. Urgent searches are handled differently from standard-timeline cases.
Confidentiality is absolute
Your case details, client identity, and litigation strategy are handled under strict confidentiality controls. This obligation does not vary based on case size or service type. Every panel member is bound by the same confidentiality terms.
One point of contact
You work with a single search specialist across your engagement — not a rotating intake team. The person who reviews your case is the person who knows it and can answer your questions throughout the search process.
No placement, no close
If the first round of candidates does not produce a successful engagement, Criterion searches again. The engagement is not complete until an expert has been introduced and confirmed for your matter. We do not consider a search done until you do.
Our Services
Which service does your case need?
The same process applies across all five services. Click any service for full detail on what it involves and when to use it.
Start an Expert Search
Active sourcing — expert witness placement
Peer Review & Record Analysis
Evaluation-only — no testimony required
Independent Medical Examinations
Full IME coordination and report tracking
Bill Review
When charges drive claim value
Site & Facility Inspections
Construction defect, premises, workplace safety
Not sure which service fits?
Submit your case and we'll recommend the right one
Ready to start?
Submit your case and we'll begin searching immediately. Pre-vetted expert profiles in 24–48 hours.