Expert Witness. Edmund Strong

prevails. No offense intended, Mr. Helfinger, but the older and more polished members of your firm will appear too clinical to a jury. They will look as though they are more interested in padding their wallets than in compensating innocent victims.”

      “None taken.”

      Frank Helfinger did not get where he was by refusing to at least consider the advice of others. Edmunds’s comment made a lot of sense. If Braxton tried the case, he could always draw upon the experience of the other members of the firm. He could be a translator, merging the legal language and concepts of the law with those of air traffic control and aviation. Edmunds’s comments quickly solidified some tactical maneuvering the senior partner was already considering. Helfinger was representing the estate of Janet Alread, the senator’s wife. The senior partner had already been contacted by lawyers from other firms representing the estates of the other passengers. A plaintiff’s steering committee had been formed to determine the division of responsibilities. Helfinger chaired that committee. He knew that convincing its members to assign first chair to a relatively inexperienced lawyer would be a challenging proposition, but more than likely, they would defer to his judgment. As far as Helfinger knew, none of the other lawyers had any pilot background.

      “Ms. Blair will also be on the front lines. I presume you have no objection to working closely with her?” Helfinger’s eyes searched Edmunds’s as he spoke.

      Edmunds’s ability to appear perfectly at ease under stress was jettisoned into uncharted territory.

      “None at all.”

      The navigation was successful.

      “Excellent.” Helfinger was impressed. Edmunds got right to the point and didn’t hesitate to speak his mind.