Selecting, Shaping, and Showcasing Experts: Strengthening Your Case While Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Tara Godoy | Godoy Medical Forensics

Tara Godoy is a distinguished forensic nursing expert who has been providing consulting services since 2009. She holds an MBA from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern California, complemented her certificate in Forensic Nursing. This unique combination of medical expertise and business acumen has enabled her to successfully establish and grow her forensic consulting practice.

As the founder of Godoy Medical Forensics, Tara oversees a team of forensic nurse experts and other forensic professionals who work with both prosecution and defense teams at the federal and state levels, helping secure fair and honest resolutions in criminal cases. Her expertise has earned her invitations to present at major national conferences, including those hosted by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the National Association of Public Defenders (NAPD), and the National Defense Investigators Association (NDIA). Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Tara now runs her company from Southern Oregon, where she focuses on expanding the company’s forensic services.

Jonathan Laurans | Law Office of Jonathan Laurans

Jonathan Laurans has been litigating cases in the State and Federal appellate courts of Missouri and Kansas for 33 years, and in Arizona since 2019. He dedicates a significant amount of his practice to handling post-conviction litigation in both State and Federal courts and is known for many outstanding results achieved for those who have been wrongfully convicted and/or excessively sentenced. Mr. Laurans is also known for his thorough scrutiny of government investigations, and his tenacity in the courtroom on behalf of his clients. He has an impressive record of results in the arena of Federal criminal defense and has been recognized with several peer-reviewed awards by fellow attorneys practicing in the Midwest.

Mr. Laurans has been rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell® since 2008 and has been voted into Super Lawyers annually since 2010. He is licensed to practice law in the State and Federal courts of Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. Mr. Laurans is also licensed in the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Fifth, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Circuits. And, he has been granted permission to represent clients in over 20 other local State and Federal courts from New York to San Francisco, and from Chicago to Miami.

Laura Schile | Pocket Expert LLC

Laura Schile is a seasoned forensic science expert with extensive experience in case investigation, law enforcement procedures, and both prosecution and defense work. With a strong background in litigation and appeals, Laura brings a comprehensive understanding of how scientific evidence integrates into the legal process.

She specializes in the interpretation of DNA and laboratory reports, providing clear, practical explanations that attorneys and clients can readily understand and use. Laura also advises on whether additional forensic testing may be beneficial and assists in identifying the most appropriate laboratories to perform it.

Drawing on decades of experience in forensic sciences and criminal justice, Laura is committed to helping legal professionals make informed, evidence-based decisions in their cases.

Chris Angels | The Angles Law Firm

Christopher Angles is a criminal defense attorney serving clients in Kansas and Missouri. Mr. Angles vigorously defends those accused of offenses including financial crimes, drug offenses, robberies, sex charges and other serious crimes at all stages in the federal, state, juvenile and municipal courts.

He has extensive experience with DUI/DWI cases, and frequently hosts training seminars for lawyers, with top experts in criminal defense topics.

Angles Law Firm clients come from across the country and range from working people to professional athletes and entertainers. Angles is most proud of being called upon regularly to represent fellow attorneys.

Mr. Angles has achieved the prestigious AV® Preeminent™ rating by the Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™. The Business Journal of Kansas City has included him multiple times in its Best of the Bar Edition, and he has been included in the Super Lawyers of Missouri and Kansas publication in 2009-present. Additionally, a blue-ribbon panel of judges included him in the Top 50 lawyers in Kansas City and the Top 100 in Missouri and Kansas each year for 2011 – present.

Mr. Angles frequently speaks on legal topics to local and national audiences. He recently was a presenter at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer’s program “Making Sense of Science: Forensic Science, Technology, and the Law” at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, NV (2025). As a result of that conference, he was invited to speak at the 2025 annual symposium of the National Association of Document Examiners (October 2025). He previously presented at the National Trial Lawyer’s Summit at the Lowe’s hotel in South Beach in 2024 (topic: Voir Dire) and then was invited back in 2025 (topic: Opening Statements); and the NACDL’s “Forensic Science in Criminal Law II,” discussing jury selection when dealing with a forensics expert (2020).

Mr. Angles is also the owner of Focus KC, a company hosting mock juries and focus groups. By providing a deep pool of jurors, Focus KC assists trial lawyers in narrowing their issues, selecting the right type of juror, and knowing the verdict before the trial.

I. Initial considerations when hiring an expert: Defining needs, managing costs, and selecting the right expert for your case | 3:30pm – 3:50pm

II. Working effectively with forensic experts: Leveraging expert insights early to shape strategy and avoid surprises later | 3:50pm – 4:10pm

III. The expert’s role as educator, not advocate: How experts can clarify complex medical issues for attorneys, jurors, and judges | 4:10pm – 4:30pm

Break | 4:30pm – 4:40pm

IV. Preparing for trial: Coordinating reports, exhibits, and testimony to ensure your expert strengthens — not complicates — your argument | 4:40pm – 5:10pm