Find the Right Expert for Every Case

President, Shatec Engineering Consultants, LLC

Dr. Shakir Shatnawi, Ph.D., P.E. is a transportation and pavement engineering expert specializing in highway safety, construction quality assurance, and forensic investigations. With a career spanning public agencies, academia, and industry, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction defects, assessing roadway surface conditions, and evaluating whether highway geometric design standards have been met. Dr. Shatnawi has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across California, involving cases related to transportation, roads, pavements, and construction disputes. His Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Transportation & Pavement Engineering), along with his California Professional Engineer’s License, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving highway engineering and construction quality control.

Forensic Services & Litigation Support

Donald Hopkins, Jr., P.E., FSFPE is a fire protection engineering expert specializing in forensic analysis and origin and cause analysis. With a career encompassing fire protection system design, code compliance, and standards development, he brings a comprehensive engineering perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating fire-related incidents, assessing fire protection system failures, and evaluating whether code compliance was achieved. Mr. Hopkins has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving complex fire protection cases and system design disputes. His M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, along with his registration as a Professional Fire Protection Engineer in multiple states, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving fire protection systems and code compliance.

Forensic Toxicologist

Richard Stripp, Ph.D. is a forensic toxicology expert specializing in litigation involving toxicological assessments and pharmacological evaluations. With a career spanning toxicology, pharmacology, and forensic science, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating toxicological impacts, assessing pharmacological interactions, and evaluating whether substances contributed to legal disputes. Mr. Stripp has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to drugs of abuse, DUI/DWI, and toxic chemical exposure. His Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Toxicology, along with his Laboratory Director Certificate of Qualification, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving forensic toxicology.

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Roger W. Griffith, P.E. is a forensic mechanical engineering expert specializing in failures of building mechanical systems, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fuel gas leaks and explosions, and hot water scalding incidents. With a career spanning HVAC design, plumbing system analysis, and forensic investigations, he brings a standards-based engineering framework to litigation work. His work centers on investigating system failures, assessing code compliance, and evaluating whether safety standards were met. Mr. Griffith has been retained in over 125 forensic investigations across multiple states, involving product liability, premises liability, and professional negligence claims. His Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, along with his Board Certification in Forensic Engineering, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical and plumbing system failures.

Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Expert

Frederick L. Haggerty, MSLS, CISSP®, CEREA, GREM, CDRE, CDRP, GCFA, Q/FE, FSO is a digital forensics and cybersecurity expert specializing in digital forensics, malware analysis, email investigations, and network intrusion responses. With a career spanning software development and legal studies in cybersecurity, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating digital breaches, assessing malware impacts, and evaluating whether security protocols were breached. Mr. Haggerty has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases of business email compromises, extortion, and trade secret theft. His M.S. in Legal Studies in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy from Albany Law School, along with certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) and GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving cybersecurity breaches and digital evidence.

Lecturer, Co-Founder

Jonathan E. Hochman, Ph.D. is an Internet and Cybersecurity expert specializing in software engineering, digital identity, and data analytics litigation. With a career spanning software development, cybersecurity, and digital identity infrastructure, he brings a multifaceted technological framework to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating cybersecurity breaches, assessing digital identity systems, and evaluating whether software engineering practices meet industry standards. Mr. Hochman has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States and internationally, involving cases related to internet technologies, cybersecurity, and digital advertising. His Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from Yale University, along with his CITI Program certification in Biomedical Research, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving cybersecurity breaches and digital identity systems.

TIMOTHY GERARD GALARNYK is a construction risk management expert specializing in forensic investigation and safety compliance. With a career encompassing diverse roles in construction safety, forensic investigations, and accident cause analysis, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction-related incidents, assessing safety compliance, and evaluating causation in bridge and structure collapses. Mr. Galarnyk has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States and internationally, involving construction safety, bridge and structure collapse, and work zone traffic control cases. His Bachelor of Science Degree in Safety from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, along with certifications such as Construction Work Zone Traffic Control Technician and OSHA Instructor, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving construction equipment safety and work zone traffic safety.

Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist and Professor of Psychological Medicine

Dr Srikanth Nimmagadda, MBBS, DPM (Ire), MMedSc, MFFLM, LLM (Mental Health Law), MA (Medical Ethics and Law), MIIOPM, CUEW, MSc in Health Care Management is a forensic psychiatry expert specializing in medico-legal reporting and mental health law. With a career encompassing forensic psychiatry, psychological medicine, and healthcare management, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating psychiatric fitness to plead, assessing criminal responsibility, and evaluating the impact of mental disorders on legal outcomes. Dr. Nimmagadda has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United Kingdom, involving criminal cases, civil litigation, and historical sexual abuse cases. His Master of Medical Sciences in Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, along with certifications such as the Certificate of Expert Witness Accreditation (CUEW), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of criminal responsibility in disputes involving mentally disordered offenders and psychiatric sequelae.

MSME, PE

Brian M. Davis, MSME, PE is a mechanical engineering and forensic engineering expert specializing in products liability and failure analysis. With a career spanning gas turbines, automotive engineering, and medical device design, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating component failures, assessing root causes, and evaluating whether industry standards were met. Mr. Davis has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving automotive, marine, industrial, and medical device cases. His MS in mechanical engineering, along with certifications such as Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt and Material Review Board certification, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical systems and product failures.

Forensic Litigation Expert

Meyer R. Rosen, CPC, CChE, E-FAIC, FRSC, DABFET is a forensic chemistry and chemical engineering expert specializing in products liability, personal injury, and intellectual property litigation. With a career encompassing forensic chemistry, chemical engineering, and fire and explosion investigation, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to complex litigation matters. His work centers on investigating chemical exposures, assessing accident reconstructions, and evaluating whether safety standards in product design and formulation have been met. Mr. Rosen has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to hazardous chemicals, consumer and industrial products, and intellectual property disputes. His M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, along with certifications such as Certified Professional Chemist and Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving chemical burns, toxic exposures, and product safety.

Senior Software & Hardware Engineer, Computer Scientist, Expert Witness

Bert Schiettecatte, MSc/CS, MA/MST is a software and hardware engineering expert specializing in intellectual property litigation. With a career spanning software development, digital signal processing, and consumer electronics innovation, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating software source code integrity, assessing hardware design compliance, and evaluating whether intellectual property infringements have occurred. Mr. Schiettecatte has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and breach-of-contract cases. His Master of Science in Computer Science, along with his Master of Arts in Music, Science and Technology, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving software and hardware systems.

Professional Mechanical Engineer (PE)

David G. Smith, MS, PE, CSP is a mechanical engineering expert specializing in patent litigation and product liability cases. With a career encompassing product development, equipment safety, and risk assessments, he brings a multifaceted perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating patent infringement, assessing product safety, and evaluating whether design standards have been met. Mr. Smith has been retained in over 100 expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving patent and personal injury cases in industries such as oil and gas equipment, exercise equipment, and consumer products. His Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, along with certifications as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving mechanical failures and patent issues.

C.E.M.

Joseph A. LaRovere, C.E.M. is an HVAC and Mechanical Engineering expert specializing in construction defects and energy management. With a career spanning roles as a contractor, owner/operator, technician, and consultant, he brings a multifaceted perspective to litigation work. His work centers on investigating system failures, assessing contractor standard of care, and evaluating whether energy management practices meet industry standards. Mr. LaRovere has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to healthcare facilities, data centers, and high-rise residential buildings. His Certified Energy Manager designation, along with certifications such as Honeywell Tridium Niagara AX and Johnson Controls Facility Explorer, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving HVAC systems, energy management, and mechanical failures.

Partner

Joseph C. Sremack, CFE, CISA, CIPP/US is a forensic technology expert specializing in complex litigation, regulatory enforcement, and internal investigations. With a career spanning forensic data analytics, source code analysis, and artificial intelligence systems, he brings a multifaceted approach to analyzing intricate technology disputes. His work centers on investigating software functionality, assessing data privacy compliance, and evaluating whether enterprise systems meet regulatory standards. Mr. Sremack has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across state and federal courts, international tribunals, and financial regulatory bodies, involving data privacy disputes, intellectual property litigation, and geospatial data analysis. His M.S. in Computer Science, along with certifications as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving artificial intelligence systems and digital forensics.

Cryptocurrency and Cybercrime Investigations Expert

Garren Hamilton, M. Cyb, B. Com, CFE, CSS, CAMS, AFHEA is a cryptocurrency and cybercrime investigations expert specializing in cryptocurrency tracing, fraud, and complex financial investigations. With a career spanning law enforcement and private sector roles, he brings a strategic investigative framework to his litigation work. His work centers on identifying and valuing cryptocurrencies, forensic tracing of cryptocurrency transactions, and evaluating whether cryptocurrency-related fraud has occurred. Mr. Hamilton has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Australia, the USA, and the UK, involving cryptocurrency fraud, cybercrime, and financial investigations. His Master of Cyber Security from the University of New South Wales, along with certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified AML Specialist (CAMS), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving cryptocurrency tracing and fraud.

Paul D. Eason, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI is a materials failure analysis expert specializing in product liability and fire and explosion analysis. With a career encompassing academia, industry, and consulting, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to forensic engineering challenges. His work centers on investigating product defects, assessing material safety issues, and evaluating whether engineering standards were met in industrial accidents. Mr. Eason has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across Florida, involving cases related to product defects, industrial accidents, and fire and explosion investigations. His Doctor of Philosophy in Material Science and Engineering, along with his Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator designation, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving materials failure and product safety.

Founder, Chairman & CEO

Thomas J. Young, PE is a transportation construction and civil engineering expert specializing in forensic engineering and infrastructure development. With a career spanning military aviation, logistics, and strategic airlift, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating construction defects, assessing regulatory compliance, and evaluating whether industry standards have been met. Mr. Young has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across California and Alaska, involving transportation infrastructure and heavy civil engineering projects. His Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, along with his professional engineer licenses in California (PE #57043) and Alaska (PE #10025), reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of responsibility in disputes involving construction safety, structural failures, and human factors in transportation engineering.

Child and General Psychiatry Expert

Jeffrey Alan Sugar, MD is a child and general psychiatry expert specializing in forensic psychiatry and psychiatric trauma. With a career spanning public and private sector psychiatry, he brings a comprehensive framework to litigation work involving the effects of trauma on child development. His work centers on investigating psychiatric trauma, assessing the psychological effects of abuse, and evaluating whether psychiatric evaluations meet professional standards. Dr. Sugar has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across California, involving cases of child custody, psychiatric factors in criminal behavior, and sexual abuse. His M.D. in Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco, along with board certifications in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving psychiatric evaluations and trauma.