The Virginia State Bar recently published an excellent article by Jacob H. Pierce, Winning with Experts: Five Qualities Every Medical Malpractice Expert Should Have. In it, he outlines five core qualities every strong medical malpractice expert must bring to the table:

1. Expert knowledge & active clinical practice – Experts must be clinically current and practicing in the same or related field as the defendant.
2. Practices in Virginia – Local experts carry legal and practical advantages, resonating with both jurors and courts.
3. Prior expert experience – Testimony is as much about courtroom skill as medical knowledge. Experienced experts understand the rhythm of depositions and cross-examination.
4. Credibility & likability – Jurors must trust the expert, both for their credentials and their demeanor.
5. Clear communication – The ability to explain complex medicine in plain, accessible terms is what wins over jurors.

As a consultant and seasoned expert in medical-legal cases, I see these qualities play out in real time. A well-prepared expert who embodies these traits can provide clarity in the most complex of cases, guiding the jury with confidence. Conversely, even the most credentialed professional can falter if they lack courtroom presence or the ability to connect with jurors.

Bottom line: your experts are your case. Their story often becomes the narrative that jurors adopt in reaching a verdict. That’s why careful expert selection, vetting, and preparation are not just valuable—they’re essential.

👉 You can read the full Virginia State Bar article here: Winning with Experts: Five Qualities Every Medical Malpractice Expert Should Have.