Find the Right Expert for Every Case

PE, BSEE, CFEI

Thomas H. Burtness, PE, BSEE, CFEI is an electrical and lighting engineering expert specializing in lighting and electrical accidents and injury litigation. With a career encompassing electrical power systems, illumination engineering, and forensic investigations, he brings a multifaceted perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating lighting fixture accidents, assessing electrical construction defects, and evaluating whether electrocution and arc flash incidents meet industry standards. Mr. Burtness has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to commercial and industrial lighting, roadway illumination, and electrical equipment failures. His Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, along with certifications such as Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, 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 electrical injuries and wrongful death.

President

Ken Karston, S.E., P.E. is a structural engineering expert specializing in construction defects and building envelope investigations for water infiltration. With a career spanning design, forensic investigations, and construction administration, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work involving structural integrity and compliance. His work centers on investigating construction defects, assessing building conditions, and evaluating whether structural designs meet industry standards. Mr. Karston has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving residential, commercial, and historic building cases. His Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago, along with his certifications as a Registered Structural Engineer in Illinois, Nevada, and Utah, and as a Registered Professional Engineer in multiple states, 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 practices.

Construction & Engineering Consultant

Brian Hansen is a construction and engineering consultant specializing in residential construction and structural engineering litigation. With a career spanning building contracting, structural design, and hazardous materials remediation, he brings a multifaceted perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction defects, assessing structural integrity, and evaluating compliance with building codes. Mr. Hansen has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements throughout New England, involving residential construction defects and structural engineering disputes. His BA in Psychology, along with a Massachusetts Unlimited Construction Supervisor's License (CS-113267), 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 best practices and building code violations.

Expert Witness

Barry Taheri is a construction defects expert specializing in forensic investigations and exterior envelope failure analysis. With a career spanning forensics, weatherization, and field testing, he brings a comprehensive understanding of building science and waterproofing systems to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction defects, assessing weatherization failures, and evaluating whether industry standards were met in building enclosure systems. Mr. Taheri has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across California, involving construction defect cases in residential, commercial, and retail properties. His education from the USC School of Architecture and Engineering, along with certifications such as the DuPont Envelope certification (DWSRC 1082) and California Contractor’s License (B 904491), 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 waterproofing systems and construction engineering.

Expert Witness

Jay Beam is a forensic engineering and safety expert specializing in litigation support within the oil and gas industry. With a career spanning safety engineering, environmental compliance, and accident reconstruction, he brings a multifaceted perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating industrial accidents, assessing regulatory compliance, and evaluating whether safety standards have been met. Mr. Beam has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving oilfield accidents, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance cases. His Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State, along with his membership in the National Association of Forensic Engineers, 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 industrial safety and compliance.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Timothy C. Behrens, P.E., DFE, CFI, CFEI, CVFI is a forensic mechanical engineering expert specializing in failure analysis and forensic investigations. With a career spanning vehicle fire origin, mechanical component failures, and accident reconstruction, he brings a multifaceted engineering perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating vehicle fire origins, assessing mechanical system failures, and evaluating accident reconstruction scenarios. Mr. Behrens has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements nationwide, involving vehicle fires, mechanical failures, and accident reconstructions. His Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, along with certifications such as Certified Fire Investigator and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, 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 vehicle and mechanical system failures.

Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner

Dean S. Molnar, Jr. is a firearm and tool mark examination expert specializing in crime scene analysis and shooting reconstruction. With a career encompassing forensic science operations and quality assurance, he brings a comprehensive operational framework to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating firearm function and operability, assessing shooting scene reconstructions, and evaluating whether forensic methodologies adhere to accreditation standards. Mr. Molnar has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Michigan, involving criminal cases related to firearms and tool mark identification. His Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, along with his membership in the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), 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 firearms trajectory analysis and crime scene reconstruction.

Light Rail & Transit Systems Expert Witness

Timothy Borchers is a light rail and transit systems expert specializing in safety certification and regulatory compliance within public transportation projects. With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, he brings a comprehensive understanding of operational, technical, and regulatory frameworks to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating accident causation, assessing regulatory compliance, and evaluating whether industry standards of care have been met. Mr. Borchers has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving light rail and streetcar accidents, automated people mover incidents, and transit bus accidents. His Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, along with a Certificate IV in Transport Management (Bus and Coach Operations), 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 transit system safety and regulatory compliance.

CEO and Lead Forensic Expert

Jason Fries, Advanced Force Science Specialist, Force Science Certificate, Private Pilot Certificate is a forensic reconstruction expert specializing in accident reconstruction and forensic animation. With a career spanning the development of laser-based photogrammetry and the introduction of 3D reconstructions into courtrooms, he brings a pioneering perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating officer-involved shootings, assessing nighttime visibility, and evaluating whether forensic animations meet admissibility standards. Mr. Fries has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving civil and criminal cases, including officer-involved shootings and accident reconstructions. His B.S. in Biology (Focus in Physics and Chemistry), along with certifications such as Advanced Force Science Specialist and Force Science Certificate, 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 reconstructions and human factors.

AIA – NCARB Professional Architect

James Rappoport, AIA – NCARB is an architectural expert specializing in complex litigation involving architectural design and construction disputes. With a career spanning urban design, planning, and architectural practice, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating architectural compliance, assessing construction claims, and evaluating whether industry standards were met. Mr. Rappoport has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States and internationally, involving cases related to office facilities, hotels, resorts, and retail developments. His Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and M. Sc. in Architecture & Urban Design from Columbia University, along with his NCARB certification, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of standard of care in disputes involving architectural design and construction practices.

Forensic Structural Engineer & Chartered Building Surveyor

Eur.Ing., ANDREW BILLINGHAM C.Eng., F.I.Struct.E. (A.E. Wynn Prize) M.C.I.Arb., M.A.E., F.Cons.E., M.R.I.C.S. is a forensic structural engineering expert specializing in construction defect investigation and expert witness testimony. With a career encompassing structural failure analysis, building surveying, and material defect analysis, he brings a comprehensive forensic perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural failures, assessing construction defects, and evaluating whether duty of care standards were met. Mr. Bellingham has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the UK, involving cases related to structural engineering, building surveying, and construction defects. His education at Willesden College of Technology, along with certifications such as Bond Solon Expert Witness 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 responsibility in disputes involving structural integrity and construction practices.

Chartered Structural & Civil Engineer, Accredited Expert Witness

Mehrdad Bahari, MCIOB, CEng MICE, MIStructE is a Chartered Structural & Civil Engineer expert specializing in construction defects and flood and coastal defence litigation. With a career encompassing NHS healthcare design, flood defence consultancy, and advanced engineering projects, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural failures, assessing compliance with engineering standards, and evaluating whether design deviations contributed to construction defects. Mr. Bahari has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the UK, involving NHS healthcare facilities, flood defence systems, and civil engineering projects. His PhD in Civil Engineering, along with his Chartered Member status in both the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers, 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 integrity and engineering compliance.

Chartered Quantity Surveyor | CILEX Chartered Paralegal | Forensic Delay Analyst | Chartered Construction Manager | Expert Witness | Registered Adjudicator | Registered Arbitrator

Mark Holden-Smith LLB(Hons) FCIArb MRICS PCILEX MCIOB DipAdj DipArb is a construction claims and forensic delay analysis expert specializing in dispute resolution. With a career encompassing roles in quantity surveying, construction management, and legal analysis, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction claims, assessing forensic delay impacts, and evaluating whether contractual obligations have been met. Mr. Holden-Smith has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the UK, involving construction claims, engineering disputes, and contract adjudications. His Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree, along with certifications such as the RICS Expert Witness Certificate, 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 and engineering contracts.

President and Founder

David Hilliard Williams is a wireless and IoT technology expert specializing in product and technology development, implementation, and intellectual property litigation services. With a career spanning telecommunications, geotechnical engineering, and location-based services, he brings a multifaceted perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating GPS and network-based location determination systems, assessing wireless 911 and NG911 technologies, and evaluating IoT data privacy and security. Mr. Williams has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the U.S., involving patent, ITC, and criminal litigation, as well as civil trade secrets and product liability cases. His MBA in Information Systems Management from The University of Texas at Austin, along with his BSEE in Digital System Design from Purdue University, 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 wireless communications and IoT systems.

Chief Forensic Engineer

Ronald A Bova, PE, DFE is a forensic engineering expert specializing in structural failure analysis and construction defects. With a career spanning structural engineering, forensic investigation, and civil engineering liability, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural failures, assessing construction defects, and evaluating whether civil engineering standards were met. Mr. Bova has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving structural failure analysis and construction defect cases. His B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, along with his Board Certified Diplomate in Forensic Engineering, 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 and civil engineering issues.

Mining and Asphalt Executive

Jill Shackelford, BBA is a mining and asphalt executive specializing in environmental compliance and permitting within the construction and aggregate industries. With a career spanning strategic market placement, quality control, and regulatory navigation, she brings a comprehensive operational framework to litigation work. Her work centers on investigating environmental compliance, assessing regulatory adherence, and evaluating whether industry standards were met. Ms. Shackelford has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Texas, involving asphalt production, aggregate mining, and environmental permitting cases. Her BBA in Management from Texas Tech University, along with continuing education in Aggregate Properties and Testing from Auburn University, reinforce her ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. She is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of compliance and responsibility in disputes involving environmental regulations and construction practices.

Principal

John R. Stauder is a fire protection engineering expert specializing in fire protection system design and building code consulting. With a career spanning engineering, construction defects, and fire protection, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work involving fire safety and compliance issues. His work centers on investigating fire protection system failures, assessing building code compliance, and evaluating whether fire safety measures meet industry standards. Mr. Stauder has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving fire protection systems, building codes, and life safety evaluations. His MEng in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, along with P.E. registration in multiple states, 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 fire protection and building code compliance.

Senior Consultant

David G. Shreve, P.E. is a mechanical and forensic engineering expert specializing in construction defects and engineering design disputes. With a career spanning forensic consulting, engineering design, design-build, and construction administration, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating design errors and omissions, assessing construction claims, and evaluating whether property damage or personal injury resulted from engineering failures. Mr. Shreve has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving commercial, higher education, hotel, and residential properties. His Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, along with CPD Certified in Plumbing Design (ASPE) and LEED Accredited Professional 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 HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems.