The Expert Witness Recruiter is responsible for maintaining, expanding, and strategically sourcing Dane Street’s network of specialized expert witnesses. This includes identifying and onboarding high-caliber experts—such as physicians, economists, biomechanical engineers, accident reconstructionists, life care planners, and ballistics experts—negotiating retention fees within pre-established guidelines, and ensuring that all open service requests (OSRs) are resolved promptly. The ideal candidate will leverage research skills, industry networking, and strong communication to close niche talent gaps and support our legal and insurance operations.
Key Responsibilities
Network Maintenance & Growth
- Understand client requirements, case constraints, and turnaround time (TAT) deadlines to negotiate expert witness agreement terms.
- Proactively research and source new niche specialists (e.g., engineering, financial, forensic, and scientific fields) to meet evolving client litigation needs.
- Onboard new expert witnesses based on case demand, managing the collection of required documentation (curriculum vitae, specialized certifications, fee schedules, W9s, and background checks).
- Maintain existing expert records, including fee schedules, profile updates, and active/inactive statuses.
- Coordinate with the Director of Operations to finalize specialized fee structures.
Special Assignments & Contract Negotiations
- Lead complex negotiations and contract renewals for high-priority or highly sought-after expert witnesses.
- Handle sensitive or urgent client requests, particularly those involving rare specialties or tight legal discovery deadlines.
- Assist expert reviewers with technical onboarding, portal training, or case-specific inquiries.
- Fulfill high-priority OSRs by locating and qualifying specialized professionals, providing daily internal updates on progress.
- Collaborate with operations to ensure the expert network is aligned with upcoming pipeline demand.
Additional Duties
- Support other cross-functional staffing or panel projects as assigned by leadership.
- Stay current on industry trends, evidentiary standards (such as Daubert/Frye compliance), and general legal/insurance operations.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience
- 3–5 years of specialized recruiting experience, ideally within an expert network firm, litigation support agency, insurance defense firm, or legal staffing environment.
- Proven track record sourcing non-traditional, highly technical roles (e.g., engineers, financial analysts, scientists).
Skills & Competencies
- Strong investigative research and sourcing skills (leveraging LinkedIn, academic publications, professional associations, and industry registries).
- Deep understanding of professional credentials, technical CVs, and the distinction between various scientific and technical disciplines.
- Excellent negotiation, contract communication, and relationship-management skills.
- Working knowledge of legal, insurance, or forensic terminology.
- High proficiency in applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office.
Working Conditions
- Primarily remote with extended periods of computer work.
- Occasional travel or attendance at industry conferences may be required depending on business needs.
Technical Requirements (Remote Work)
- Must supply and maintain reliable, high-speed internet.
- An uninterrupted internet connection is a requirement for this role.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted based on evolving business needs.