Forensic Engineer Expert Witness 'broker'? 1

[davidcraig]

This seems appropriate as a new thread, so I will post my question here.

I am very new to the Forensic Engineering Expert Witness field. I was contacted by someone who said he acts as a 'broker' for several law firms, connecting these firms with computer forensics experts.

His pitch was that he can bring significant work my way for a fee of 10% from my billing.

Does this sound legit?

Dave

 

[Ron]

Dave,
Depending upon the state of licensure for the engineer, it might be an illegal practice. It is also usually deemed an unethical practice by many of the enginering societies.

In my state it is illegal.

Ron

 

[davidcraig]

Thanks for the quick response, Ron.

I am in California. If it is infact an illegal practice is it worth reporting? What is the standard protocol in situations like this?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Ron]

Dave,
Yes, it is worth reporting. Call the California State Board of Professional Engineers and they will take it from there.

Good luck and thanks for helping keep the profession "clean".

Ron

 

[Focht3]

davidcraig:
Contact the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BORPELS) at 916/263-2222. You can also get a complaint form on-line; and you can probably file it there, too.

You also need to be cautious about the form of your engagement with any attorney. You cannot accept a contingency fee arrangement; insist on a payment arrangement that provides payment when services are rendered, not after 30 days. Bill collection is a real nightmare with this client type.

California now requires that you obtain a written contract that clearly defines the scope of your assignment and the fees before you begin work. I'm glad they did this - it's good for our businesses.

 

[phillyfrank]

There are several brokers out there and I have never used them. Make sure you have a web site connected into google and use key words descriptive of what you do. That's how a lot of our attorney work comes in, other than referral.