The primary credentials of an expert consultant/expert witness are his/her education and experience. These qualify the expert to assist the attorney who is litigating or defending a case and to enlighten the triers of fact, whether jury and/or judge. For an expert consultant to be successful, however, he or she must also think in terms of developing an additional skill set. They need to learn general facts about the legal system, how to navigate in that system, particular communication skills such as report writing and testifying in deposition and court, and how to develop and manage their consulting practice..