Register Now for the Houston Geological Society (HGS) Environmental and Engineering Dinner Meeting – Sept 9, 2026 – Houston, TX

Join HGS for an evening discussion on the ethical considerations experts may face when participating in judicial and administrative proceedings.

Experts and Ethics

Presented by James E. Smith
Crain, Caton & James P.C.

Event Details

Date: September 9, 2026
Location: Los Tios Restaurant, 9527 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063
Social: 5:30 PM
Dinner: 6:30 PM
Presentation: 7:30–9:00 PM

Cost: $35 for pre-registered members; $40 for non-members and all walk-ups.

About the Presentation

The presentation will examine ethical issues faced by experts, particularly those involved in judicial or administrative proceedings. Topics will include when and how witness immunity and judicial privilege apply to experts involved in litigation, as well as the limitations of judicial privilege for statements made outside the judicial proceeding.

The discussion will also address the less-defined application of privilege in administrative proceedings and the potential for experts to face malpractice claims from their own clients in some states.

Additional topics will include the role of licensing agencies in reviewing expert testimony and reports for potential licensing violations, as well as circumstances in which experts may face civil or criminal liability. The presentation will also cover key concepts of criminal law that experts should consider.

Speaker

James E. Smith
Crain, Caton & James P.C.