John D. Lavin, CCM
Practice Leader, Meteorologist
Get to know the expert
Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Having testified as an expert witness, what’s the most challenging aspect of presenting meteorology findings in a way that resonates with judges and juries?
The most challenging aspect of testifying is keeping your answers simple but still being scientifically accurate. Juries are presented with lots of information through testimony and exhibits. If the information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner, I have found that juries will connect better with my testimony.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?
Do not rely solely on weather data online. The data often cannot tell the whole story related to your case. An airport weather station has specific measurement standards that may or may not be relevant to a location. For example, air temperatures are typically measured at 6 feet. The temperature at the ground could be different. A qualified forensic meteorologist can assess the relevance and reliability of the data and provide the complete weather story.
Background
Mr. John Lavin holds a B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Kansas and a Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) designation from the American Meteorological Society (AMS). Mr. Lavin has extensive experience in meteorology with over 10 years of experience providing forecasting and forensic services to many Fortune 500 companies as well as the legal and insurance industry.
Mr. Lavin has provided consulting and expert witness services to complex and multi-million-dollar insurance disputes related to property damage claims, along with injury and wrongful death lawsuits involving slip-and-falls, aviation, and automobile accidents. He has testified in both depositions and trials in state and federal courts as an expert witness in meteorology. In addition to his forensic work, Mr. Lavin has consulted with many Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing, transportation, and insurance industries during catastrophic weather events such as hurricanes, major winter storms, and severe weather outbreaks.
Education and Certifications
- Atmospheric Science, B.S.: University of Kansas (2010)
- Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM): American Meteorological Society (2018)
- Professional Member: American Meteorological Society (2010-Present)
- Board of Directors/Treasurer: Association of Certified Meteorologists (2021-Present)
- Professional Member: National Weather Association (2010-Present)
- American Meteorological Society: Meteorological Tools, Processes, and Techniques Used in Private Business Short Course (2022)
- National Center for Atmospheric Research & the Institute for Business & Home Safety: North American Workshop on Hail & Hailstorms (2018)
- University of Oklahoma: Dual-Polarization Radar Training Course, Office of Weather Programs & Projects (2015)