The Certified Forensic Financial Analyst (CFFA) credential is designed to provide assurance to the legal community – the primary users of litigation consulting services – that the designee possesses a level of experience and knowledge acceptable by the institute to provide competent and professional forensic financial support services. Earning the credential requires consideration of all of the person’s qualifications and commitment to the discipline. This includes prior education and experience, prerequisite and required training as provided by the Financial Forensic Institute, testing – both proctored and case study and post-requisite requirements for recertification. The CFFA must re-certify every three years. Certified Forensic Financial Analysts have come to be known as premier litigation consultants due to their extensive business valuation backgrounds. CFFA’s engagements range from the determination of personal and commercial damages, breach of contract and tort liability to patent/trademark/copyright/trade secrets infringement. The CFFA is familiar with the Rules of Evidence, attorney work product privilege, courtroom protocol and preparation of reports under Federal Rule 26(a)(2)(B). Testifying experts are only as good as their ability to opinions to the Trier of fact. The CFFA has the communication skills and professional knowledge to be a compelling expert witness. As a litigation team member, the CFFA can assist in trial and discovery preparation in several different ways: -
Assisting with the drafting of requests for the production of documents and interrogatories relating to financial and technical issues -
Monitoring, evaluating and controlling documents produced during discovery -
Review, critique and response to opposing expert reports -
Assist in defining the scope of damages -
Assist with compilation of numeric summaries for inclusion in briefs, pleadings and motions -
If a testifying expert – offer testimony at deposition and at trial -
If a consulting expert – assist attorney with managing expert witness preparation and testimony -
Develop strategically focused questions for direct and cross-examination -
Preparation of forensic accounting analyses |
