The need

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs in an antitrust class action alleging collusion between packaging companies to increase prices industry-wide needed an industry expert to strengthen their case. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants acted together to reduce production in periods of high demand for their products, thus raising market prices. As such, the ideal expert would be someone that was an industry executive that could opine on the manufacturing process and how the defendants’ actions would cause price increases.

Our approach

Given the defending companies in the case and the time in question, we knew we had to exclude candidates that had worked for them over the past decade. Also, based on conversations with the clients, we knew prior trial testimony experience was preferred, but secondary to industry credentials. As the right expert had eluded the client thus far, we went to work quickly and diligently to find the best expert.

The expert

We found an expert with a BA and MBA from top universities as well as 30 years of experience in the packaging industry. During his time in the industry, he had held general management and production planning roles making him well versed in the issues at play in the case. Since leaving the industry, he had worked as a consultant.