Engaging with Dog Expert, Jill Kessler-Miller

01/10/2025 45 min
Engaging with Dog Expert, Jill Kessler-Miller

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Episode Synopsis

The courtroom can be an intimidating place for anyone—but when Jill Kessler-Miller walks in, she brings 30 years of dog expertise and an uncanny ability to decode what canines are really telling us. As she puts it with refreshing candor, "If I'm an advocate, it's for the dog."Kessler-Miller's journey from dog trainer to sought-after expert witness began with a simple suggestion from an attorney friend. Today, she navigates cases ranging from dog bites to fatalities, service dog evaluations to animal cruelty investigations. What sets her approach apart is her focus on the dogs themselves. While humans craft narratives after incidents occur, the dogs' behavior reveals the truth—if you know how to interpret it.The deposition process requires careful preparation and emotional discipline. Kessler-Miller shares practical wisdom gained from countless testimonies: bring multiple document copies, maintain composure despite provocations, and remember to "don't speculate, only answer questions asked, and shut up." She even offers an unexpected pro tip: a roll of pink duct tape makes the perfect spill-proof coffee holder during lengthy proceedings.For those considering expert witness work, Kessler-Miller offers sage advice: develop emotional resilience, remember criticism isn't personal, and maintain neutrality rather than advocacy. As she reminds us, the most powerful testimony comes not from pushing an agenda but from clearly explaining what happened and why—letting juries draw their own conclusions from properly interpreted evidence.Ready to explore how expert witnesses can transform your case? Connect with professionals who bring both expertise and integrity to the courtroom through Roundtable Group's extensive network.