On September 15, 2025, Steve Heninger, one of Alabama’s most respected trial lawyers, led a powerful live Zoom seminar for the National Business Institute (NBI) titled: “Expert Witness Testimony: From Qualification to CrossExamination.”
Drawing from over 40 years of litigation experience, Steve guided attendees through the complexities of qualifying, presenting, and cross-examining expert witnesses—an area of trial practice where credibility, clarity, and control can mean the difference between winning and losing a case.
The Focus: Mastering Expert Testimony in High-Stakes Litigation
Steve’s presentation walked participants through each phase of expert witness involvement—from vetting and qualifying an expert under the rules of evidence, to preparing them for direct examination, and finally to executing effective, ethics-driven cross-examination.
This CLE proved essential for attorneys handling complex personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, or commercial cases—where expert opinions often carry significant weight with judges and juries.
Key Topics Covered During the CLE
During the seminar, Steve explored several critical components of expert testimony, including:
- Qualification Standards: He addressed how to properly establish an expert’s credentials under both Alabama and federal evidentiary rules, ensuring their testimony is admitted and respected.
- Daubert & Admissibility Challenges: Steve reviewed recent trends in Daubert rulings and provided guidance on how to anticipate and respond to challenges that could exclude expert testimony before trial.
- Direct Examination Techniques: He offered methods for helping expert witnesses explain their methodology and conclusions in a way that is both credible and easily understood by juries.
- Cross-Examination Strategy: Steve demonstrated how to expose weaknesses in opposing experts’ credentials, methodology, or biases, while maintaining professionalism and staying within ethical boundaries.
- Real-World Examples: Attendees gained insight from Steve’s decades of experience in the courtroom—including practical tips, war stories, and strategies that can only be learned through years of litigation.
About Steve Heninger: A Trial Lawyer and Teacher
Steve Heninger is a founding partner at Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, and has earned national recognition for his litigation skills and leadership. His extensive career includes:
- Teaching trial advocacy at Harvard, Stanford, Georgetown, and the University of Alabama
- Being named repeatedly to Best Lawyers in America and Alabama Super Lawyers – Top 50
- Serving as President of the Birmingham Bar Association and the Alabama Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
- Contributing to numerous Alabama Supreme Court advisory committees
Steve’s dedication to both practice and pedagogy made this CLE particularly valuable, blending technical instruction with courtroom-tested insight.
A Commitment to Excellence in the Courtroom and Beyond
At Heninger Garrison Davis, we believe great lawyers never stop learning—and great leaders never stop teaching. Steve’s participation in this CLE is part of our firm’s broader commitment to advancing the legal profession and supporting attorneys who fight for justice every day.
As a firm grounded in our CIRCLE values—Client-Centered, Integrity Driven, Resilient, Committed, Leadership Oriented, and Excellence Focused—we are proud to see our attorneys like Steve continuing to share their knowledge and elevate advocacy throughout the legal community.
Looking Ahead
If you missed this CLE, check with National Business Institute (NBI) for on-demand replay options or future live sessions featuring Steve and other experienced trial lawyers. The principles he covered apply across practice areas and jurisdictions—and offer timeless value for attorneys seeking to sharpen their courtroom edge.
About Heninger Garrison Davis
HGD is a premier personal injury and complex litigation firm with offices across the Southeast. Our team of 17 attorneys and 32 support professionals provides white-glove legal service and tireless representation to clients facing life-altering challenges.
Whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the community, HGD attorneys lead with experience, compassion, and integrity.
