From First Call to Trial Testimony

Retaining an expert is a process, from the initial conflict check and document intake through inspection, reporting, and testimony. Paul Gaston provides the full set of building-code expert-witness deliverables, reports, rebuttal review, and deposition, arbitration, and trial testimony, for plaintiff and defense counsel in Chicago and Cook County.

The value of an expert is not only in the findings but in how clearly and durably they are presented. A report has to be organized and well-supported, a rebuttal has to engage the opposing opinions directly, and testimony has to hold up under cross-examination.

Paul has been retained and has testified in construction matters, including site visits, reports, depositions, arbitration, and trial. He delivers work product that attorneys and insurers can produce and rely on, and testimony grounded in documented conditions and recognized standards.

A complete engagement moves through defined stages: a conflict check to confirm Paul can accept the matter, document intake and review, site inspection where warranted, a written report setting out the opinions and their bases, rebuttal review of opposing experts, and testimony at deposition, arbitration, or trial. Each stage builds on documented conditions and code citations so the opinions remain consistent from the report through cross-examination.

What Retaining Counsel Receives

Counsel on either side needs deliverables that are clear, defensible, and consistent from start to finish. Paul provides work product and testimony built to that standard.

  • Conflict check
  • Document intake & review
  • Site inspection
  • Written expert report
  • Rebuttal review
  • Deposition testimony
  • Arbitration testimony
  • Trial testimony
Chicago Building Code Expert
  • A conflict check and clear engagement scope before work begins
  • Independent analysis developed identically for plaintiff and defense
  • Organized written reports with exhibits and code citations
  • Rebuttal review engaging opposing opinions directly
  • Deposition, arbitration, and trial testimony
  • Documented, reproducible bases for every opinion
  • Clear scope boundaries, with referral where other disciplines are required

Supporting Legal Outcomes With Evidence

Whether a matter resolves in mediation or proceeds to trial, Paul Gaston delivers building-code findings and testimony that rest on documented conditions and recognized standards, for plaintiff and defense across Chicago and Cook County. To discuss a matter, request his CV and availability, or begin a conflict check, through the contact options on this page.

How an Engagement Proceeds

  1. Run a conflict check and confirm scope, availability, and terms with retaining counsel.
  2. Intake and review the documents and identify what additional records or access are needed.
  3. Inspect the site where warranted and document the conditions.
  4. Prepare a written report setting out each opinion, its basis, and the supporting citations.
  5. Provide rebuttal review and deposition, arbitration, or trial testimony as the matter requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a building code expert report contain?

A sound report states each opinion, the basis for it, the documents and conditions relied on, the governing code and standards, and the methodology followed, with supporting exhibits. Paul writes reports so the reasoning is transparent and each opinion can be traced to the evidence.

What is the difference between a report, a rebuttal, and testimony?

A report sets out affirmative opinions and their bases; a rebuttal responds directly to the opposing expert's opinions; and testimony presents and defends those opinions live at deposition, arbitration, or trial. Paul provides all three, kept consistent with one another.

How do you prepare for deposition and trial?

Preparation centers on the documented conditions, the governing code, and the report's bases, so the testimony matches the written opinions. Paul works with retaining counsel on scope and exhibits while keeping his opinions tied to the facts rather than to a desired outcome.

How quickly can a report be produced?

Timing depends on the scope of records, the need for a site inspection, and the deadlines in the case. After reviewing the materials, Paul provides a realistic schedule so counsel can plan around disclosure and discovery dates.

What is a conflict check, and why do you run one first?

A conflict check confirms that Paul has no prior involvement or relationship that would prevent him from accepting the matter. Running it before any substantive work protects the engagement and both parties, and it is the first step in every retention.

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