Reply #44: Good list of professions vel non at 127 F. Supp.2d 779 [View All]

[read the law first]

EMT not a professional
Cosmetologist not a professional
Mortician not professional
Crisis counselors not professionals
laboratory techs not professionals

Do I have any fear that I could qualify any of them as an expert in the proper case? No, no fear at all. Is it relevant to their testimony whether they are professional or not? No, except to the extent that membership in a professional association is something that I will ask them about when I have them on either direct or cross.

It's a malpractice case but the point being that every single one of these people could be qualified as an expert regardless of whether or not they are considered professional.

So, again the word professional in front of opinion is irrelevant. You're either an expert or your not. If you're not tendered and accepted as an expert, it is irrelevant whether you're a professional or not.

Kind of like something being from the Department of Redundancy Department. It's just an extra, irrelevant word. I wouldn't let my experts use it and if the other side ever used it, I'd cream them for it. But do what you want. Just don't say I didn't warn you.