Navigating Rule 702 Amendments: Strategies for Expert Testimony in Drug and Medical Device Litigation

Litigation attorney Eric Alexander will speak at the 30th Annual Conference on Drug & Medical Device Litigation, hosted by the American Conference Institute in New York City. Mr. Alexander will review recent amendments to Federal Rule of Evidence 702, which concerns the admissibility of expert witness testimony. The changes to Rule 702 reinforce the judicial gatekeeper role in allowing expert opinions and introduce new tools for excluding unreliable testimony. During his session, Mr. Alexander will reflect on the changes' goal of ensuring juries hear only well-founded expert testimony and explain how lawyers can leverage the revisions to enhance their litigation strategy and secure more favorable outcomes. He will review court decisions influenced by Rule 702, identify techniques that defense counsel can employ to make sure judges apply the changes when presiding over cases, as well as take a closer look at a clarification stating the proponent of expert testimony has the burden of establishing criteria by a preponderance of the evidence. The presentation will offer counsel helpful pointers for bringing or responding to expert testimony under the Rule 702 amendments.

Holland & Knight is proud to sponsor this conference, now in its 30th year, that convenes hundreds of pharmaceutical and device litigators, private practice attorneys and judges to discuss topics including multidistrict litigation (MDL) strategies, emerging pharmaceutical and medical device industry trends and key case developments.