Choosing the ideal forensic technical assistant is one of the most relevant decisions in legal proceedings involving judicial expert analysis. This professional not only interprets expert reports but also technically supports the arguments of the party they represent. Their performance can directly influence the outcome of the case. In this article, we’ve compiled objective criteria to help lawyers, companies, and interested parties evaluate the hiring of the most suitable assistant in a technical and secure way. This content expands on one of the points discussed in our Definitive Guide to Forensic Technical Assistants – 2025. To fully understand this professional’s role in legal proceedings, access the main content.
Summary Checklist for Choosing the Right Professional
Before starting the hiring process, consider these five main points:
- Verification of technical qualifications
- Evaluation of practical experience
- Research of reputation
- Interview with specific questions
- Analysis of the proposal and contract
Below, we detail each step to ensure the choice is made securely.
1. Evaluate Education and Technical Experience
The technical assistant must have specific knowledge aligned with the type of expertise involved. This requirement applies to IT cases, as well as to expert analysis in finance, engineering, medicine, or any other specialized field.
Check whether the professional has a degree or specialization in the technical area related to the subject of the expert analysis. Recognized certifications, a solid academic background, and prior involvement in similar analyses are relevant indicators of preparedness.
Also, observe whether they have already worked as a technical assistant in legal cases and how they structure their technical opinions. Generic résumés without documented history make verification difficult. At STWBRASIL, all assistants work in collaboration with the company’s digital forensic lab — the largest in the country — and have documented experience in complex legal proceedings.
2. Seek References and Professional History
After verifying technical qualifications, the next step is to investigate how the professional is perceived in legal and technical circles. Direct recommendations from attorneys who have worked with them are reliable sources, especially when linked to similar case experiences.
If you don’t have direct recommendations, check specialized forums, technical entities, or professional associations. It’s also worth researching whether they’ve been publicly involved in legal proceedings, with technical opinions included in the case files.
Avoid hiring based solely on social media or generic institutional profiles. The ideal forensic technical assistant will have a verifiable history through external sources and, whenever possible, public documentation or filed reports with case numbers.
3. Conduct an Objective Technical Interview
Talking to the professional before signing the contract is an essential step. This conversation allows you to assess their technical level and understand whether they are familiar with the specific demand involved in the case.
Suggested questions:
- Have you worked on similar cases? What was your role?
- What methodology do you usually apply in expert analysis?
- How long does it take you to deliver a technical opinion?
- Do you participate in meetings with the lawyer and court hearings, if needed?
- How do you usually interact with the court-appointed expert if their report needs to be challenged?
These questions help avoid hires based on superficial affinity and ensure the focus remains on technical criteria.
4. Observe the Professional’s Communication Style
It’s important that the technical assistant knows how to clearly express their arguments, especially since many judicial decisions are based on technical opinions and statements.
During the interview, assess whether the professional can explain their reasoning in a direct and understandable way without relying on unnecessary jargon. This is especially important in hearings, written statements, or meetings with the client’s lawyer.
Technical expertise must be paired with the ability to articulate ideas. A poorly written opinion or a confusing explanation can compromise the legal strategy, even when the arguments are correct.
5. Carefully Analyze the Proposal and Contract
The proposal must clearly outline what will be delivered, within what timeframe, and at what cost. The contract should specify the limits of the assistant’s role and include stages such as reviewing case files, meetings with the lawyer, drafting of opinions, commentary on the official report, and potential participation in hearings.
When reviewing the proposal, check whether the following items are specified:
- Technical scope of the analysis
- Delivery deadlines for the opinion
- Total cost and payment conditions
- Conditions for additional on-site inspections or second opinions
- Provision for commenting on the official expert report
- Participation in court hearings, if summoned
Clear contracts help avoid conflicts and ensure mutual security.
STWBRASIL works with formal contracts that include technical details and schedules tied to the progress of the legal case. This guarantees predictability — in terms of scope, deadlines, and service costs.
The Right Technical Choice Can Define the Case’s Direction
Many cases that depend on technical evidence are decided based on expert reports and technical opinions. That’s why choosing the forensic technical assistant should be treated with the same care as hiring a lawyer.
Avoid making decisions based only on price or personal proximity. A well-chosen technical assistant strengthens the legal strategy with well-founded arguments aligned with the technical reality of the case.
If you’re an attorney or a party in a legal case involving expert analysis, review each of the points listed in this article. This reduces the risk of hiring an unqualified professional and strengthens the defense of your interests.
Speak with STWBRASIL Experts
STWBRASIL offers specialized technical support for legal proceedings involving expert analysis. Our team works with proven methodology, objective reports, and a focus on case results. If you need a qualified technical assistant to consistently represent your side, get in touch with our consultants.
Talk to the STWBRASIL team now and request a proposal tailored to your case.
