A new Web site launched today, Courtroom Insight, that provides lawyer reviews of expert witnesses, mediators, arbitrators and litigation consultants. The site is a simple-to-search directory of experts, neutrals and consultants. For anyone listed in the directory, registered users can submit ratings and reviews of their services.

Few of the profiles have reviews so far, which is understandable given that the site just launched today. Here is an example of the profile of an arbitrator with one review. As you can see, the review includes ratings of the arbitrator’s legal ability, integrity and objectivity, judicial management, degree of preparedness, communication skills and professionalism.

For expert-witness reviews, ratings grade such factors as prior experience, value for fees, level of involvement, command of information, technical skills, analytical skills, timeliness, objectivity and communication skills.

To help ensure the reliability of reviews, the site manually validates membership requests by attorneys and judges. Non-lawyer reviewers are not validated, but they are asked to provide “honest feedback, including constructive criticism where warranted, written in professional style and demeanor.”

Any expert, neutral or consultant who is listed in the directory can claim his or her profile and verify the basic contact information. The site sells upgraded profiles for $349 a year, which allows listing of more detailed information about one’s professional background.

Access to the site is free, but allows viewing only of reviews posted within the most recent 30 days. Users can opt to purchase a $249 annual subscription, which gives them access to all reviews, whenever posted.

In a statement announcing the launch, Courtroom Insight CEO Mark Torchiana said it will help lawyers find experts with the right experience and abilities to match the needs of a particular case and allow lawyers to better assess how an expert will perform in a courtroom setting. The site can also be used to research opposing experts, he noted.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.