Find the Right Expert for Every Case

Principal

Benjamin Darby Casey, PE, CPP, PSP, DBIA, MBA is a fire protection and security engineering expert specializing in fire protection systems design and security integration. With a career spanning fire protection engineering, security systems, and building code analysis, he brings a comprehensive understanding of risk management and safety compliance to litigation work. His work centers on investigating fire origins and causes, assessing security vulnerabilities, and evaluating compliance with fire safety codes. Mr. Casey has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving complex risk-based engineered systems and unique solutions for industries such as data centers, hospitals, and cultural institutions. His BS in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, along with certifications such as Physical Security Professional (PSP) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving fire protection and security systems.

Senior Scientist and Executive

Christopher Matthew Byrd, Ph.D. is a forensic biotechnology expert specializing in DNA forensic analysis and biochemistry in legal contexts. With a career spanning biotechnology research, program management, and strategic analysis, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating DNA evidence, assessing biochemical processes, and evaluating whether laboratory standards were met. Mr. Byrd has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving criminal and family law cases. His Ph.D. in Bioengineering, along with certifications as a Level III Program and R&D Manager and ANSI/ANAB laboratory assessor, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving forensic biotechnology and laboratory practices.

Principal

Benjamin Casey, PE, CPP, PSP, aDBIA, MBA is a fire protection and security systems expert specializing in risk management and hazard mitigation. With a career spanning fire protection engineering, building codes and standards, and security systems design, he brings a multifaceted approach to complex litigation involving safety and compliance issues. His work centers on investigating fire protection system failures, assessing security breaches, and evaluating whether building codes and standards were adhered to. Mr. Casey has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across North America, involving cases in industries such as energy, transportation, and commercial real estate. His BS in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, along with certifications such as Physical Security Professional (PSP) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving fire protection and security systems.

Professor of Construction Engineering & Management

Makarand (Mark) Hastak, Ph.D., PE, CCP, CRIS, MASCE is a construction engineering and management expert specializing in profitability of construction companies, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure management. With a career encompassing academic leadership, industry consulting, and extensive research, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating cost control measures, assessing project management decision-making, and evaluating whether risk management protocols were adhered to. Dr. Hastak has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving construction safety, contractual disputes, and modular construction cases. His PhD in Civil Engineering (CEM) from Purdue University, along with certifications such as Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and Certified Cost Professional (CCP), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving construction safety, project risk management, and infrastructure planning.

Consultant, Expert Witness, COO

Harry G. Direen Jr, Ph.D, PE is an electrical and software engineering expert specializing in intellectual property litigation and patent infringement analysis. With a career spanning control systems, high performance computing, and UAV autonomous control, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating patent infringement, assessing product reverse engineering, and evaluating whether control systems meet industry standards. Dr. Direen has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving intellectual property cases, UAV systems, and high-performance computing technologies. His Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering / Control Systems, along with his Professional Engineer license in Colorado, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of patent validity and infringement in disputes involving complex electronic and software systems.

Mechanical Engineering Safety and Design Consultant

R. Kevin Smith, P.E., D.F.E. is a mechanical engineering safety and design expert specializing in accident reconstruction and product safety analysis. With a career encompassing mechanical design, human factors engineering, and industrial safety standards, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work involving complex safety and design issues. His work centers on investigating equipment failures, assessing safety compliance, and evaluating whether design standards were met in industrial and consumer product cases. Mr. Smith has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to forklift trucks, aerial work platform lifts, and construction equipment safety. His Master of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in Design/Manufacturing, along with certifications such as Board Certified Diplomate in Forensic Engineering and IPAF certified powered access license, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving mechanical design and safety standards.

Mechanical Engineering Leader | Failure Analysis Specialist | Expert Witness

T. Kim Parnell, PhD, PE is a mechanical engineering and failure analysis expert specializing in litigation involving medical devices, heavy equipment, and intellectual property claims. With a career spanning litigation consulting, technical investigations, and product development across highly regulated industries, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating mechanical failures, assessing accident causation, and evaluating intellectual property disputes. Mr. Parnell has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases in medical devices, intellectual property, and product liability. His PhD in Mechanical Engineering, along with certifications such as SEAK Expert Witness Training – Advanced, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical failures and product liability.

Executive Engineering Consultant, Expert Witness

Richard Fincher, PMP, LSSMBB is an engineering and technology litigation expert specializing in semiconductor manufacturing, software engineering, and industrial automation disputes. With a career spanning executive leadership, engineering management, and technology commercialization, he brings a strategic and operational framework to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating intellectual property violations, assessing industrial automation processes, and evaluating whether industry standards have been met. Mr. Fincher has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States and internationally, involving semiconductor manufacturing, software intellectual property, and industrial automation cases. His Master of Business Administration in Management, Finance, International Entrepreneurship, along with Project Management Professional Certification and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt & Master Black Belt Certifications, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving semiconductor manufacturing processes and software intellectual property.

Incident Investigation – Risk Assessment – Expert Opinion

William H. D. Ostara is a maritime engineering and risk assessment expert specializing in incident investigation and root-cause failure analysis of shipboard equipment. With a diverse background in marine propulsion, electrical systems, and refrigeration systems, he brings a comprehensive understanding of shipboard culture and organizational psychology to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating engineering failures, assessing vessel operations, and evaluating onboard management best practices. Mr. Ostara has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States and the United Kingdom, involving marine engineering casualties, personal negligence, and vessel systems. His Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University, along with certifications such as the Certificate in Incident Investigation from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving marine propulsion and electrical systems.

President | Chief Bridge Engineer

Scott Phelan, Ph.D., P.E., P.Eng., S.E. is a structural bridge engineering expert specializing in concrete segmental bridge design and design-build project delivery. With a career encompassing leadership in major bridge projects and advanced research in bridge dynamics, he brings a comprehensive understanding of structural integrity and innovative design solutions to litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural failures, assessing compliance with engineering standards, and evaluating whether design deviations contributed to project disputes. Mr. Phelan has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across North America, involving complex infrastructure projects and design-build contracts. His Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with his Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Structural Engineer (S.E.) certifications, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving bridge engineering and structural design compliance.

MSME, P.E., DFE

John Thomazin, MSME, P.E., DFE is a mechanical and electrical systems expert specializing in forensic engineering and accident reconstruction. With a career spanning software development, manufacturing, consulting, and academia, he brings a multifaceted engineering perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating vehicle accident reconstructions, assessing product and premises liability, and evaluating whether mechanical failures have occurred. Mr. Thomazin has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving vehicle accidents, farm equipment incidents, and structural assessments. His Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, along with certifications such as Certified XL Tribometrist and ACTAR Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical and electrical systems.

Civil, Structural, and Forensic Engineering Consultant

Zohaib A. Alvi, M.Eng., P.E., ENV-SP is a Civil, Structural, and Forensic Engineering expert specializing in structural failure analysis and construction defect litigation. With a career encompassing structural design, forensic investigations, and building preservation, he brings a multifaceted engineering perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural deficiencies, assessing construction compliance, and evaluating whether building codes were adhered to. Mr. Alvi has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the northeastern United States, involving structural failure, construction disputes, and building preservation cases. His Master of Engineering in Engineering Management, along with certifications such as Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV-SP) and Certified XL Tribometrist (CXLT), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving structural engineering and construction issues.

Forensic Engineer

William J. Kirkham, P.E., S.E., Ph.D., F. SEI, M.ASCE is a forensic engineering expert specializing in structural failure analysis and construction defect litigation. With a career spanning structural design, forensic investigations, and academic contributions, he brings a multidisciplinary framework to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural failures, assessing compliance with engineering standards, and evaluating whether construction defects contributed to damages. Mr. Kirkham has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases such as defective railings, shotcrete pool failures, and multi-story building collapses. His Ph.D. in Wood Science & Civil Engineering, along with certifications as a Professional Engineer and Structural Engineer, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving structural engineering and construction defects.

Associate Dean of Engineering for Facilities and Planning

Makarand (Mark) Hastak, Ph.D., PE, MS(Law), CCP, CRIS, FASCE, NAC is a construction engineering and management expert specializing in profitability of construction companies, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure management. With a career spanning consulting, research, and academia, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work involving complex construction and engineering disputes. His work centers on investigating cost control measures, assessing project management decision-making, and evaluating whether risk management protocols were adhered to. Dr. Hastak has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to construction safety, insurance disputes, and contractual breaches. His Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, along with certifications such as Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and Certified Cost Professional (CCP), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving construction engineering and management.

P.E., Ph.D.

Christine E. Carrigan, P.E., Ph.D. is a roadway safety engineering expert specializing in highway and roadside safety litigation. With a career spanning highway design, safety research, and engineering ethics, she brings a comprehensive framework to analyzing safety standards and performance evaluations. Her work centers on investigating crash frequency and severity, assessing the effectiveness of roadside safety features, and evaluating whether design deviations impact safety outcomes. Dr. Carrigan has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving highway design, roadside safety, and traffic engineering cases. Her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, along with her certification as a Local Project Administrator and registration as a Professional Engineer in multiple states, reinforce her ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. She is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving roadside hardware and highway safety.

PhD, PE

Jay M. Vincelli, PhD, PE is a forensic analysis expert specializing in medical devices for product liability and patent litigation. With a cross-disciplinary background in biomedical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering, he brings a multifaceted perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating device failures, assessing compliance with industry standards, and evaluating whether design defects contributed to adverse outcomes. Dr. Vincelli has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases such as orthopedic implants, transvaginal mesh, and cardiac devices. His PhD in Electrical, Computer & Biomedical Engineering, along with certifications such as NAMSA Training ISO 10993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices and ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving complex medical device failures.

Professional Engineer | Construction & Federal Infrastructure Expert

Colonel (Ret.) Robert Carpenter, P.E., CGC is a construction and federal infrastructure expert specializing in engineering quality control and program oversight. With a career spanning construction project management, federal procurement, and disaster recovery operations, he brings a strategic framework to litigation work involving complex infrastructure and regulatory compliance. His work centers on investigating construction standards of care, assessing compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, and evaluating whether FEMA Public Assistance program requirements have been met. Mr. Carpenter has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Florida, Virginia, and Puerto Rico, involving federal construction standards, disaster recovery operations, and USACE infrastructure projects. His MS in Civil Engineering from Stanford University, along with certifications such as LEED and his licenses as a Professional Engineer in multiple jurisdictions, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving federal procurement and infrastructure projects.

Managing Director

Joseph C. Sremack, CFE, CISA, CIPP/US is a forensic technology expert specializing in data analysis, source code examination, and IT system assessment. With a career encompassing leadership roles in forensic data analytics and technology practices, he brings a strategic perspective to litigation involving complex data systems. His work centers on investigating data breaches, assessing software compliance, and evaluating whether enterprise systems meet regulatory standards. Mr. Sremack has been retained in extensive expert witness and consulting engagements across multiple jurisdictions, involving artificial intelligence intellectual property disputes, cross-border telecommunications monitorships, and data privacy litigation. His M.S. in Computer Science from North Carolina State University, along with certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and Certified Information Privacy Professional, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving forensic data analysis and software system integrity.