In Watermarking an Expert Witness CV, construction site expert witness William Gulya, Jr., President & CEO, Middlesex Trenching Company, writes:
At first glance it seems like a good idea, and having your CV on your website or on directory websites is a good way to promote your services and qualifications. As for the second part of their contention, “feeling secure and offering a current version of your CV without a watermark…,” that is debatable, in my opinion.
First and foremost, it is my experience that the vast majority of attorneys is not unscrupulous and works in an honorable and professional manner. I guess there are always a few bad apples in any barrel. Any attorney who would take your CV and present it to their adversary and/or the court without actually retaining the experts services with a signed retainer agreement or other written verification subjects himself to possible sanctions and ethical violations, not to mention potential legal action against them from the expert.
I once had an attorney (we’ll call him Mr. X) who said he was retaining my services. I sent Mr. X my retainer agreement, which clearly states I am not to be considered officially retained until such time as I receive the signed retainer agreement and the retainer payment. Even after numerous requests I never got anything back. After a couple of months I informed the attorney via email and certified mail that I was closing the file.
William Gulya, Jr., Middlesex Trenching Company, specializes in excavation & construction site preparation and is author of the book, “The Straight Truth: The Life of an Expert Witness.”