Retaining Paul

How do I retain Paul H. Gross, C.C.M.?
How soon will I hear back?
What about preparing for trial?
What does all of this cost?


How do I retain Paul H. Gross, C.C.M.?

The most important thing to remember about retaining Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. is to retain him quickly. As long as he is qualified for the case, Paul works for the side that retains him in writing first. This is a strict policy that eliminates any perception of favoritism among clients. It is not acceptable (nor ethical) to name him on your witness list without contacting him. Several of Paul's biggest clients have found out the hard way that they suddenly had no weather expert when they named him on their witness list...assuming that Paul was theirs...only to find out later that he had been consulting with the opposition for several months.

If you wish to retain Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. at this time, then kindly e-mail Paul, and provide the date and time of the incident, location (address is preferred, or at least a major intersection), and a description of the circumstances. Thank you!

How soon will I hear back?

All clients receive confirmation upon initial contact (naturally, there will be a delay if Paul is out of town when your request comes in). If Paul has already been retained by the other side of your case, then you will be notified immediately. How soon he has conclusions to discuss with you depends upon the research necessary. In most simple cases, where ordering of specialized additional weather data is not necessary, Paul is normally back in touch within two weeks. However, you should allow a few weeks of lead-time when deciding when to retain Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. even though you will probably hear back from him much sooner. Remember that Paul’s ability to acquire archived meteorological data is dependent upon the government’s or data vendors’ servers working properly. Sometimes, those servers have problems or are down for maintenance, which means that data is not available at those times (sometimes for multiple days).

It is important to note that Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. will not put any conclusions to paper unless instructed by his client. Clients needing an affidavit or report must specifically request this...but these clients will still receive a brief phone call to discuss the opinions before Paul commits them to a discoverable document.

What about preparing for trial?

It is imperative to notify Paul as soon as possible of your anticipated trial date. Also keep in mind that severe weather may change Paul's schedule at the last minute (although, understanding his role in public safety, most judges have been lenient in permitting changes to Paul's scheduled testimony resulting from significant weather situations). As your trial approaches, Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. will begin discussing with you the need for exhibits. Paul's philosophy on exhibits is very clear: use them only if they will simplify the science and assist the jury. Paul will also consult with you on your direct examination, drawing upon his substantial trial experience to help guide you through the most logical way to bring the weather facts forward to the jury in a concise, friendly manner. Drawing upon a forty year background as a television meteorologist, as well as his experience testifying in nearly four dozen trials, makes Paul’s courtroom testimony among the most impactful of any expert witness you’ve ever had.

What does all of this cost?

Retaining Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. for a case incurs a two-hour minimum, but this is credited toward any research and consulting done for you. Although the amount of research needed varies from case to case, the majority of Paul's cases involve only two-to-four hours of research (including the written report or affidavit). Research and consulting time is billed at a rate of $400 per hour. Rush orders requiring conclusions in two days or less incur a one-hour premium. Discovery depositions are $800 for up to two hours, with additional time billed at a rate of $400 per hour. De bene esse depositions to be used at trial are $1200. Live testimony at trial is $1600 for each half day spent in court (testifying or not).

Paul is very ethical about his billing procedures. You are only billed for his actual research and consulting time, plus for any data or miscellaneous costs (such as color copies for your files, exhibits, etc.). Travel for distant meetings or testimony will be billed at the rate of 65.5 cents per mile. Paul will contact you prior to ordering any weather data where costs are expected to be large. Paul H. Gross, C.C.M. does not "pad" bills: you are billed fairly and honestly for his time, and timely payment is expected in return. Your office is also expected to notify Paul if a case settles, so that he may close out his file.