The journey from law enforcement to expert witness isn't a common one, but for Benjamin Mink, it provided the perfect foundation for becoming a leading voice in DEA compliance and opioid litigation. In this revealing conversation, Mink shares how his background as an Alaska State Trooper and undercover narcotics detective uniquely positioned him to navigate the complex world of pharmaceutical compliance.Mink's expertise wasn't developed in a classroom—it came through a "baptism by fire" when he joined a pharmaceutical distributor facing serious DEA enforcement actions and congressional investigations. This crisis immersion forced him to quickly master compliance regulations and risk mitigation strategies, skills that would later make him invaluable as an expert witness.What makes Mink's approach particularly effective is his focus on translation rather than mere information delivery. "A good expert isn't necessarily an encyclopedia," he explains, "it's a good translator, somebody that can break it down to a jury to the point that it's easy to understand." This philosophy guides his preparation for depositions and courtroom testimony, where he strategically studies previous testimonies to anticipate opposing counsel's focus areas.The conversation also explores practical aspects of expert witnessing—from preparation techniques and billing practices to navigating virtual testimony in the post-COVID era. Mink offers valuable insights for both experts and attorneys on building productive relationships, managing expectations, and the critical importance of careful listening during high-stakes depositions.Whether you're an attorney working with expert witnesses, an expert looking to refine your approach, or simply curious about how technical information gets translated for juries, this episode offers rare insights into the art and science of expert testimony. Subscribe to Engaging Experts for more conversations with leading voices in litigation support and expert witnessing.

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