Litigation Support

Precise analysis of financial records is a must for effective litigation. A CPA/consultant can be an invaluable member of a litigation team as an advisor and/or expert witness. To be most effective, the CPA's involvement should begin at the earliest stage of the case. Litigation attorneys recognize how effective a weapon the CPA/consultant can in their arsenals. Unlike some experts brought in to provide expert testimony that might be seen as a “hired gun,” a CPA has strict professional ethical requirements that bring unique credibility to their opinion. Because CPAs are certified and held to the highest standards of objectivity and accuracy, they are excellent litigation support specialists. A CPA has more weight in a courtroom than other possible experts.

The following are different types of cases in which a CPA can assist attorneys in the litigation process:

• Alleged tax fraud or evasion
• Bankruptcies and business reorganizations
• Business and asset valuations
• Business interruption claims
• Divorce settlements
• Insurance claims
• Intellectual property
• Objective feasibility studies and projections
• Personal injury cases