In modern litigation, though trials are few and far between, the prospect of eventual trial continues to be the infrastructure around which cases are built. The steps in preparing an expert for trial ensure parties identify the issues in dispute and distill complex matters to the essence. While the specific nature of allowable communication between counsel and experts may differ by jurisdiction, universally the courts will be looking to the expert to be an impartial advisor. The expert’s evidence will assist the court in understanding complex technical matters in the decision making process.