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Preparing Expert Witnesses for Public Utility Hearings

August 5 - 6, 2025  | Online :: Central Time

“This course was helpful, informative and valuable for someone know to witness prep or someone that needs a refresher.” Director Citizens Westfield Utilities, Citizens Energy Group

“This was the most impactful Utility training I've attended in 7 years.” Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Chesapeake Utilities

“Great way to learn how to testify!” Director, Regulatory Affairs Distribution, Chesapeake Utilities

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Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase.

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:
https://www.euci.com/event_post/0723-witness-preparation/  

About This Event

The Preparing Expert Witnesses course for Public Utility Hearings is designed to improve the effectiveness of witnesses as they prepare and serve as experts in rate cases and other associated energy industry testimony. The course is organized in two distinct areas: preparing and serving as an expert during the administrative process and learning how to be an effective witness during associated hearings.

During the first portion of the course, participants will consider the rate case and other administrative processes, learn the nuances of preparing and designing successful pre-filed testimony based on their specific area of expertise, and acquire skills in writing persuasive questions and answers for submittal. Additionally, initial steps in preparing effective hearing testimony will be reviewed. The second portion of the course concentrates on being an effective expert witness in hearing testimony. Instruction will be provided on the following topics:

  • how to approach direct and cross-examination
  • the finer points of persuasive verbal communication
  • potential pitfalls of detrimental and ineffectual non-verbal communications

The course is interactive and will conclude with a mock hearing exercises via Microsoft Teams. During the exercises, participants will establish skills and experience with expert witness responsibilities throughout the administrative hearing procedure, for both in-person and virtual testimony. This session will be facilitated by the Honorable Dr. Branko Terzic, who brings decades of experience in presenting expert testimony before various regulatory bodies, including state public service commissions, courts, and legislative committees. With a distinguished career spanning roles such as Commissioner on the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Chairman of the State of Wisconsin Racing Board, Dr. Terzic offers invaluable insights and personal feedback to course participants based on his extensive expertise in the energy industry and regulatory affairs.

This highly interactive course is limited to just 12 participants to ensure personalized instruction and meaningful engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance from Dr. Branko Terzic and refine your expert witness skills in a dynamic, hands-on setting. Attendance for this exclusive event is very limited! Reserve your spot now before the course fills up! 

Learning Outcomes

  • Discuss the rate case process and major components
  • Identify three elements of expert witness professional ethics and/or standards
  • Describe how to properly prepare for pre-filing testimony
  • Identify important elements of effective pre-filing testimony
  • Describe important elements in writing effective pre-filing questions
  • Describe important elements in writing effective pre-filing answers
  • Discuss strategies useful in converting written into verbal testimony for hearings
  • Explain two effective persuasion techniques
  • Name three important considerations when describing credentials verbally
  • Discuss methods to prevent attacks on an expert witnesses’ credibility
  • Recognize the difference between direct examination and cross-examination at a hearing
  • State the role of the administrative law judge
  • Name two pitfalls to avoid when interacting with opposing counsel
  • Identify important considerations in expert witness testimony at hearings
  • Describe the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication
  • List three goals of opposing counsel during cross-examination
  • Name three methods for responding to difficult questions in hearing testimony
  • State three rights of witnesses

Agenda

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Central Time Online 

8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Log In and Welcome
12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Course Timing

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

Introduction

Rules and Procedures for Rate Cases and Rate Case Filings

Rate Case Preparation

The Dynamics of Expert Witnessing: Professional Ethics, Standards and Strategic Planning

Morning Break (15 Minutes) 

Strategies for Expert Witnesses in Pre-filing Testimony

Introduction to Group Exercise

Lunch Break

Preparing Pre-filed Testimony

Pre-filed Testimony Writing Exercise

Afternoon Break (15 Minutes)

Group Review of Written Testimony

Questions and Wrap-up

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Introduction and Executive Summary of Persuasion Techniques for Expert Witnesses

Describing Your Credentials in a Verbal Format

The Dynamics of Hearings:  Direct Examination and Cross-Examination

Morning Break (15 Minutes) 

Protecting Yourself from Attacks on your Credibility and Credentials

Bonding with the Administrative Law Judge

Developing a Productive Interaction with Opposing Counsel

Lunch Break

Basic Considerations in Expert Witness Testimony

Subjective Reactions and Effective Verbal Communications

Effective Nonverbal Behavior and Communication

Afternoon Break (15 Minutes)

Mock Hearing Exercise

Course Wrap–up

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