The document outlines the objectives of direct examination of a plaintiff's economist. It discusses structuring the direct examination by introducing the economist, qualifying their expertise, and describing their methodology and data specific to the plaintiff. The direct examination should elicit the economist's opinion on quantifying the plaintiff's net economic loss in current dollars, including past and future earnings levels and discount rates for future amounts. The overall goal is to present an unbiased, objective assessment that makes the abstract concept of economic loss feel concrete and quantifies the minimum amount needed to make the plaintiff whole.

1. Objectives of Direct Examination
of Plaintiff’s Economist

2. Direct Examination
 Structure
 Introduction
 Qualify
 Technique/Methodology
 Data specific to Plaintiff
 Opinion

3. Direct Examination
 Qualify
 Rule 702-Knowledge, training, education
 Show a specialist/expert in general field and this
specific task
 Legal requirement
 Supports credibility

4. Direct Examination
 Methodology/Data
 Rule 702-705
 Daubert requirements
 Tutorial
 Good data in/good opinions out
 Deal with problems/weaknesses here

5. Direct Examination
 Opinion
 Core Issue-Qualifications of the net economic
loss in today’s dollars
 Establish levels of past and future earnings
 Discounting future amount/interest rate

6. Direct Examination
 Goal
 Unbiased/objective
 Make this look real
 Give concrete quality to abstract loss
 This is the minimum amount necessary to merely
make Plaintiff whole

7. Direct Examination
 Techniques
 Need a good communicator
 Define technical terms at first use
 Teach and explain
 Use bridges/signals in transitions-clarity
and direction
 Use lay language
 Give common examples
 Get Economist up with charts and numbers
 Short and simple-not try to teach economic theory
 Stay relevant, move quickly