Authors - Writers Consultants

William R. Acorn is founder of Acorn Consulting Services, LLC, an engineering firm. As a consulting mechanical engineer, Bill provides project analysis, forensic reconstructions and litigation support services relating to the design, delivery, and functioning of high-tech manufacturing facilities, semiconductor fabrication facilities, institutional laboratories, data centers, health care facilities and a variety of commercial buildings. He is a recognized expert in the evaluation of deficiencies in HVAC systems, cleanrooms, piping systems, refrigeration systems, construction defects, building and fire code compliance, and patent and trade secret disputes. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants.

Bill has more than 40 years of experience as a professional engineer and is a recognized expert in assessing, evaluating, remediating and providing testimony on complex project design, construction and operational matters. His consulting expertise has been influential in shaping approaches to code compliance and life safety in semiconductor and similar advanced technology facilities.

• Registered as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington.
• Registered with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying NCEES (Certificate No. 6999)
• Fellow in the HVAC industry leading organization ASHRAE
• Visiting lecturer at the Arizona State University Del E. Webb School of Construction in Tempe, AZ
• Advisor to CREATE, ACE – Alliance for Construction Excellence and the IAB – Industry Advisory Board, all affiliated with ASU

Building Systems Analysis:

• HVAC and Refrigeration
• Process and Power Piping
• Plumbing Systems
• Standard of Care in Design and Construction
• Chemical Exposures in the Workplace
• Cleanroom Design and Performance
• Codes and Standards
• Patent and Trade Secret Disputes

Bill’s pragmatic approach to both forensic and litigation consulting as well as project consulting is based on more than 40 years of real-world experience as a design professional, mentor and forensic analyst, as well as many years as an instructor in professional and academic settings.

Litigation Support:

• Forensic Analysis
• Strategic Litigation Consulting
• Trial Demonstratives
• Expert Testimony

Represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of jurisdictions throughout the US and Asia. Bill’s ability to explain complex issues to non-technical audiences, including juries, mediators and judges, is a key to successfully solving your litigation challenges.

Acorn Consulting Services

Consulting Services: Services range from peer review to conceptual design to development of strategies and programs for expedited project delivery.

Bill frequently acts as an owner’s agent and mentor, functioning as an extension of the owner’s project team. On other projects, Bill serves as a subject matter expert assisting project delivery firms in their development of viable solutions and review of construction documents.

As a project consultant, Bill assures the project gets off to the right start and provides his expertise through completion and operation to maximize return on investment.

Consulting Expertise Includes:

• Project Design and Management Consulting
• Forensic Analysis and Litigation Consulting
• Mentoring & Advanced Education

Allan Windt specializes in the areas of Insurance Coverage, Duty to Settle and Bad Faith. In over 30 years in the insurance business, he has handled more than 10,000 claims for more than 70 insurance companies and hundreds of insureds in all 50 states. Mr. Windt has served as an expert witness in dozens of states.

He is the author of Insurance Claims & Disputes, Representation of Insurers and Insureds, West, 1982 first edition, 1988 second edition, 1996 third edition, 2001 fourth edition, and 2007 fifth edition. Mr. Windt's books have been cited as authoritative by more than 300 courts throughout the country.

Elayne Angel has over 20 years of extensive experience in the Body Piercing Industry. She is known as a pioneer in the field, and a consummate professional revered for knowledge, skills and ethics in the areas of Piercing Techniques, After Care and Healing, and Placements. Ms. Angel has performed over 40,000 piercings since her career began in the 1980s, when she became manager of the first piercing specialty studio in the United States.

Ms. Angel is the author of The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Piercing and the President for the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). Ms. Angel owned and operated her own studio in New Orleans for over 12 years, but closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was the only licensed body art studio in the French Quarter. She also helped to promulgate legislation and train health inspectors on piercing and tattooing for the state of Louisiana.

Awards & Contributions:

• President's Award for a Lifetime of Contributions by the APP in 2006
• First wearer of body art to receive a registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office
• Credited as a piercing pioneer by Gauntlet, BMEzine, and others
• Re-wrote/Edited APP Procedure Manual (Definitive Guide for Safe, Sanitary Piercing Practices)
• Pens the monthly "Ask Angel" column for Pain Magazine
• Piercer to popular rock star, Lenny Kravitz
• Taught numerous classes at the APP conferences in Las Vegas & Amsterdam
• Featured in the 2003 MTV special, "A Social History of Body Piercing"
• Spoke to of medical professionals such as: Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) & HIV/AIDS Health Educators of Louisiana
• Presented at Student Health Centers in Colleges and Universities

Medica Coverage & Recognition:

• Appeared in a numerous books such as The Illustrated Woman & Modern Primitives
• Interviewed in varied publications (The National Enquirer, Sun, Rolling Stone, Us Magazine, etc.)
• Appeared on various TV, radio, & news broadcasts
• Photos have been used on book and album covers, and in print media ads for music CDs, computer products, cars, laser tattoo removal, & more

Dr. Randall Atlas AIA , CPP is a Registered Architect, NCARB certified, and he practices Criminal Justice Architecture and Environmental Security Design. Atlas is a certified protection professional (CPP) with the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), and is an appointed member of the ASIS Security Architecture and Engineering Committee. Atlas has his doctorate in criminology and a masters of architecture. Dr Atlas is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture for Justice Committee.

Dr. Atlas has taught CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) and criminal justice courses at Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Miami, Keiser University, and he is a trainer with the National Crime Prevention Institute at the University of Louisville. Dr. Atlas has been a technical Assistance consultant with the National Institute of Justice, National Institute of Corrections, and the Florida Department of Corrections and U.S. HUD Drug Elimination CPTED Program.

He has conducted ADA accessibility compliance audits for private and public sector clients, and served as an expert witness on over 200 premises liability lawsuits.

Dr. Atlas has been a speaker and trainer at security conferences from New Delhi, India to Seattle, Washington and has written over 200 articles in various publications on security, safety, and counter terrorism issues.

Dr. Yadin B. David has over 35 years experience in Managing Medical Technologies from Pre-Purchasing Evaluation phase, to Installation, Training, Servicing and Incidents Investigation. His expertise includes wide variety of medical devices and accessories including infusion pump, laser, electrosurgery unit, monitors, X-ray, defibrillators, implants, monitors, warmers, surgical instruments and catheters. Dr. David is also an expert in Electromagnetic interferences (EMI) medical devices and in Telemedicine and TeleHealth systems. His experience includes review and analysis of patent infringements allegation and validity. Dr. David serves a Consultant for industry and institutions including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), General Hospital and Personal Use Devices Panels, World health Organization (WHO)and medical devices manufacturers. His services include testing, adverse events investigation, engineering reports, equipment management program review and risk assessment. Dr. David has given many national and international presentations about medical technology management, telemedicine and medical devices regulations.He authored manuscripts, chapters and books.

Dr. Olen R. Brown, PhD (Microbiology) is a board certified Diplomate in Toxicology and member of the Standards of Knowledge Committee . With broad teaching and research experience, Dr. Brown has dedicated over 35 years to the Life Sciences with a focus on Human Medicine using the disciplines of bacteriology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, biochemistry, physiology, analytical chemistry, toxicology and environmental sciences. Dr. Brown currently is a scientific consultant to corporations and universities.

Dr. Brown is an invited peer reviewer for federal agencies (NIH, NIEHS, CDC, EPA, Superfund, ATSDR and others) and reviewer for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Books and Films. He is also an invited reviewer of submitted papers for various scientific journals including regularly for the American Chemical Society publications and serves as judge of submitted abstracts for the Society of Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

Dr. Brown is the author of over 150 scientific publications and two books: "The Art and Science of Expert Witnessing," published in 2002 by the Cypress Publishing Group; and "Miracles," published in 2007 by BookSurge Publishing.

Consulting Experience Includes:

• Risk assessment from exposure to toxic chemicals and bacteria, viruses, molds (fungi) and the occurrence of acute and chronic toxic, infectious, allergic, and inflammatory diseases
• Evaluation of the therapeutic and harmful effects of ethical drugs and the effects of alcohol and other drugs of abuse
• Toxicity of solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, ozone, carbon monoxide, nanoparticles, and other air pollutants
• Safety evaluation of human medical and veterinary medical devices and pharmaceuticals and White Papers

View Dr. Brown's Expert Witness Profile.

With specialized knowledge in the field of Engineering, John Hoschette is an experienced Career Development Coach, Trainer, and Professional Key Note Speaker. Mr. Hoschette's past position at Lockheed Martin and current position as Principal Systems Architect (Research & Development) at Smiths Medical have allowed him an acute understanding of all aspects of an engineering career. Overseeing the operations of nearly 5,000 engineers in Sunnyvale California, along with his experience working with companies such as Alliant Tech, Honeywell, Loral and Northrop Corporations, have given him exposure to the engineering methods of many organizations nationwide.

John Hoschette is an IEEE senior member, author, career coach and adjunct professor. His career articles have appeared in Today’s Engineer and Spectrum Magazine. His company, Career Development Coaches, offers Career Resources for Engineers, Engineering Managers, and Human Resources Personnel. Whether a recent graduate, mid-career, or looking-ahead to retirement, Career Development Coaches offers proven, common-sense advice for navigating all stages of an Engineering career.

Services Offered:

• Develop Successful Career Plans
• University to Industry Transitions
• Improve Job Performance
• Navigate Difficult Workplace Environments
• Compensation Negotiations
• Career Setback or Job Loss Recovery
• Finance Management

View Expert Witness Profile.

Anthony C Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, MS is internationally recognized as an expert in the field of Pediatric Cardiology. He has a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from University of Miami School of Business, from which he graduated with the McGaw Prize for academic excellence and a master's degree in Biomedical Data Science from Stanford University. Dr. Chang also has a master’s degree in Public Health from UCLA, from which he graduated with the Dean’s Award for academic excellence.

Dr. Chang leads pediatric heart teams all over the world. He was one of the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society (APPCS) and will be initiating the foundation arm of the society at the bequest of the board. A world-renown leader in pediatric cardiology innovation, Dr. Chang is a member of the grant review committee for pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health. Respected in his field, he is a member the board of directors for the American Heart Association.

Providing leadership in education, Dr. Chang has served with the faculty of UCLA School of Public Health (eMPH program) and has taught global health for UCLA’s eMPH. He also teaches pediatric cardiology to cardiology fellows and holds a volunteer faculty appointment at the UCLA School of Medicine.

Doctor Chang - Being A Doctor

Dr. Chang is the founder of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) that launched the multi-disciplinary focus on cardiac intensive care for children. He is also the founder of the Asia-Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society (APPCS), which united pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from 24 Asian countries and launched a biennial meeting in Asia that now draws over 1,000 attendees. Dr. Chang has made over 50 medical missions around the world, including over 25 trips to China.

He is the founder and medical director of the Medical Intelligence and Innovation Institute (MI3), dedicated to implementing data science and artificial intelligence in medicine and is the first institute of its kind in a hospital. Dr. Chang is the organizing chair of several Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIMed) meetings in the U.S. and abroad that will focus on artificial intelligence in healthcare and medicine. He intends to build a clinician-computer scientist interface to enhance all aspects of data science and artificial intelligence in health and medicine.

A prolific author, Dr. Chang is the chief editor of the textbook Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care and the past president-elect of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS). He is the chief editor of the textbook Heart Failure in Children and Young Adults. He is a regular reviewer for “Circulation,” “Pediatric Critical Care Medicine,” “Critical Care Medicine,” and numerous other journals.

Dr. Chang publishes and lectures widely on topics of big data and artificial intelligence in medicine, pediatric cardiac intensive care, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, adult congenital heart disease, and other aspects of congenital heart disease. He has served as program director for numerous large international conferences and symposia.

View Dr. Chang's Expert Witness Profile.

Ray Horak provides litigation support as a consulting expert and testifying expert in cases involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), product/service misrepresentation, contract disputes, and intellectual property (patent, copyright, and trademark/service mark infringement) disputes, as well as issues of taxes and fees allegedly owed to 911 districts and municipalities. Those cases have involved a broad range of technologies, including Automatic Telephone Dialing Systems (ATDSs), text messaging, cellular, DSL, E911, fax, PBX, prepaid cellular, push-to-talk (PTT), videoconferencing, VoIP, and voice processing.

He also has performed technical compliance reviews for several clients of the telephony systems they and their third party vendors employ in sales, collections, customer service and opinion polling. The objective of those engagements, several of which are ongoing, is to determine the specific nature and capacities (present, potential and theoretical) of the telephony systems (e.g., ATDS and PBX) and subsystems, the systems of record (i.e., databases), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, Receivables Management (RM) systems, and any and all other peripheral systems, both premises- and cloud-based.

Ray is an Independent Consultant with a General Practice in Wireline and Wireless Telecommunications and Related Fields such as the Internet and Voice over IP. His 45 years’ experience includes management and executive positions with Southwestern Bell, CONTEL, and Executone. Ray authored the best-selling Communications Systems & Networks, (John Wiley & Sons), Telecommunications and Data Communications Handbook (Wiley-Interscience), and Webster’s New World Telecom Dictionary (Webster’s New World). Previously, Ray was Senior Contributing Editor for Newton’s Telecom Dictionary (12th through 21st Editions). He has written hundreds of technical white papers, case studies, articles, and columns for major print and electronic publications such as CommWeb, Computer Telephony, Network World, The Prepaid Press, and Teleconnect. Ray also has served as Technical Editor for several book-length works, including Deploying Secure 802.11 Wireless Networks with Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Press, 2003).

Carlo Scevola & Partners is an International Fiduciary Company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with branches in six continents. We specialize in International Planning, Strategic Consulting and Wealth Management.

Our clients trust us for everything from setting up an Offshore Company to Mergers and Acquisitions to Business Finance and Asset Protection. CS&P’s customer-centric methodology ensures that each client gets a custom-tailored solution which addresses that business’ individual objectives and requirements.

Our team has expertise in every functional category and every important geography. From finance to operations to human resources to marketing – from the Americas to Europe to Africa, Asia and Oceania – CS&P can bring together experienced executives who know how to advise you and will make your enterprise a success. All this while always protecting your privacy.

Services Offered:

Business and Strategic Consulting

S.W.O.T. Analysis

Pre-investment Feasibility Studies / Competitive Background Assessments

Business Plan Research, Writing and Production

Strategy Definition / Implementation

Reworking of Operating Processes for International Suitability

Industrial Partnership Scouting / Matching

Tailor Business Model to Market Environment, Jurisdiction and Local Authorities Requirements

Corporate Finance:

Mergers, Acquisitions and CessionsCommercial Due Diligence or Investment / Financial Appraisals

Company Reorganization and Restructuring

Financial Feasibility Plans for Industrial Expansion

Scouting / Recruiting Highly Qualified Financial Management

Exit Strategies in the event of Buy-outs, Buy-ins, Spin-offs or MBOs, MBIs and LBOs

Listing on Stock Exchanges

Offshore Consulting:

International Tax Planning

Corporate Structuring, Maintenance and Trusts

International Contracts Law

Jurisdictions

Residency and Citizenship

International Banking

Logistic Support

Government Licenses

Aircrafts and Vessels

Intellectual Property

CS&P Operates In More Than 80 Countries Around The World.

Michael T. Motley, Ph.D. has over thirty-five years of experience in the field of Communication, with specialization in the areas of public-speaking anxiety (stage fright), interpersonal communication, meaning, and psycholinguistics. He has developed an approach to reducing public-speaking stage fright that has been proven in several clinical trials to be the most effective therapy available. The method is successful in about 95% of severe cases and 85% of moderate cases.

Dr. Motley is a Professor of Communication with the University of California at Davis. He has authored almost 200 books, articles, and research papers in communication and psycholinguistics. He has won eighteen excellence awards for his research and was recognized as among the "Top 1%" of communication scholars of the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's.

Areas of Expertise:

• Stage Fright Reduction
• Interpersonal Communication Skills
• Male / Female Misunderstandings
• Communication of Sexual Consent

Services Offered:

• Consultation and Advice in Above Areas
• Therapy for Public-Speaking Anxiety (Stage Fright)

View Expert Witness Profile.

PRACTICE AREAS AND EXPERTISE: Peacemaking, mediation and conflict management of difficult community, business and interpersonal conflicts.

From 1978 to 1998, trial lawyer with demonstrated success in complex, difficult, or unique cases. Experienced in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. Experienced in AAA commercial and construction arbitration and SEC/NASD arbitration. Broad range of knowledge, including construction, business, contract, finance, constitutional law, commercial law, and insurance law.

With over 22 years of experience, Mr. Noll has litigated and arbitrated diverse and complex cases before state and federal juries, judges and administrative tribunals. His practice is now devoted to resolving business and interpersonal conflicts without litigation. He has mediated over 400 difficult and complex conflicts including employment disputes (gender discrimination, racial discrimination, wrongful termination) construction defect cases, complex commercial and industrial construction disputes, CERCLA claims, partnership dissolutions, water rights disputes, shareholder disputes, intellectual property litigation, constitutional law cases, land use disputes, financial and commercial disputes, crop losses, estates and trusts litigation, and insurance disputes.

Douglas Noll is a distinguished author of numerous articles and most recently a book entitled: Elusive Peace: How Modern Diplomatic Strategies Could Better Resolve World Conflicts.

Prof. Vernon M. Neppe - Pacific Neuropsychiatric Institute

• Internationally renowned Neuropsychiatrist, Behavioral Neurologist, Psychopharmacologist, Psychiatrist, Forensic specialist (Listed in these areas under peer-selected book America's Top Doctors [apparently the only MD in 5 sub-specialties/ specialties] and listed in all 14 editions]. Dr. Neppe is also an internationally recognized Epilepsy specialist, Consciousness researcher, Research Methodologist, and specialist in Head injury, trauma, and brain disorders
• He is an experienced, peer-respected clinician, and is a pioneering researcher (where his contributions have directly impacted millions.). He is an extensively published (500+ academic publications (includes abstracts and in press), author of ten+ books (including Cry the Beloved Mind, Reality Begins with Consciousness , How Attorneys Can Best Utilize Their Medical Expert Witness,  Innovative Psychopharmacotherapy , and also a playwright (2 plays). He is an in-demand communicator (professional speaker, media), creativity specialist (Prof. & Exec.Dir.,ECAO), incisive thinker (past chess champion), and a versatile multi-specialty civil medicolegal expert (defense or plaintiff)
• . Dr Neppe led the first USA and International Delegation in Psychopharmacology and Neuropsychiatr. Expertise includes
• head injury, brain disturbances, personal injury,
• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE),
• medications,
• seizures,
• malpractice,
• stress
• Nutrition supplements specialist
• Tardive dyskinesia specialist
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome specialist
• Vegetative / Minimal Consciousness states.
• Patents: Pharmaceutical. At times, he's consulted in several different areas in the same case e.g. medications, brain damage, psychiatry, movement disorders or seizures, depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis, attention deficit
• Honors
• Best Doctors in America
• Who's Who in the World
• Ebook: How Attorneys Can Best Utilize Their Medical Expert Witness
• Prof. Neppe also has dual MD and PhD (Med) plus Board Certified UCNS Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry and Am Brd Psychiatry and Neurology (BC Psychiatry, subspec: Forensic Psychiat-04, Geriat Psychiat-11) & DPM (with Neurology & Psychiatry). Additionally,
• Fellow Royal Society, SA (app. first USA MD so honored) FFPsych(SA),
• Distinguished Fellow, American Psychiatric Association
• Additionally, MMed (Psych), DABFM, DABFE, DABPS (Psychopharm), FACFE, FCPsych, FRCPC,-10. DSPE
• Diplomate and Senior Research Fellow, International Society for Philosophical Enquiry;
• Medicolegal expert consultations throughout the USA and beyond including Canada. but works only with attorneys in Civil suits (Plaintiff or Defense --profound settlements on both sides giving appropriate medical analyses) or Competency (not Criminal); retained throughout USA and internationally. This includes high profile cases.

Linnda Durre', Ph.D., Licensed Psychotherapist, (FL License #MH6058) is an expert witness, psychotherapist, family counselor, intern supervisor, international speaker, author, business consultant, adjunct college professor, and a magazine, Internet, and newspaper columnist.

With over 44 years of experience, she consults to attorneys and has been qualified as an expert witness in six (6) states - Florida, California, Arkansas, Georgia, Connecticut, and Washington - in the areas of, Personal Injury, PTSD, Family and Couples Counseling, Divorce, Child Custody, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, Relocation, and Sexual Abuse by Therapists. Her 400-page doctoral dissertation and research in the latter area was cited to pass legislation in several states.

Dr. Durre' hosted and produced three radio shows, two of which were call-in advice shows. She hosted and produced two call-in advice TV shows, including "Ask The Family Therapist," on America's Health Network, which was associated with Mayo Clinic and aired from Universal Studios Orlando.

She has appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, O'Reilly (twice), Today Show, Good Morning America, Canada AM, Daytime, Donahue (twice), Sally Jessy Raphael, People Are Talking, Home Show, Hour Magazine, Home and Family Show, Disney Channel, and the local and/or national news on NPR, PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW, and Fox.

Dr. Durre' has been interviewed, cited, and/or quoted by the NY Times, LA Times, Forbes, WSJ, IBD, Business Week, SF Chronicle & Examiner, Toronto Globe & Mail, Albany Times Union, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Parade Magazine, Alternative Medicine Magazine, CNN Online, Washington Parent Magazine, Screen Actor Magazine, Florida Magazine, Orlando Magazine, Women's Health Magazine, and others.

As a business consultant, Dr. Durre' consults and speaks to Fortune 500 companies, businesses, agencies, professional and trade associations, and non-profit organizations on customer service training, sales techniques, communication skills, stress and time management, conflict resolution, motivation, personality disputes, team building, job satisfaction, reducing turnover rates, diversity training, and sex discrimination and harassment.

Her book, "Surviving the Toxic Workplace - Protect Yourself Against Co-Workers, Bosses, and Work Environments that Poison Your Day" was published by McGraw Hill and can be ordered online.

Dr. Durre' has spoken to groups, associations, clubs, and corporations as a keynote and motivational speaker, trainer, and/or consultant, including Disney, Whole Foods, Paul Mitchell, Dollar Enterprises, Jacobson's, Girl Scouts, BICSI, American Psychological Association, National Speakers Association, American Management Association, National Association of Bank Women, Altrusa Service Club, and Naval Regional Medical Center.

As Author of Anatomy of Credit Scores and Founder / President of Easy Credit Relief, Inc., Douglas Minor focuses on helping and teaching people how to understand the credit system. Showing them the best ways to use credit and maximize their score.

Doug has spent the last 25 years reviewing personal credit reports and financial profiles of individuals. He has happily been quoted and interviewed for articles appearing in FoxBusiness.com, Yahoo! Finance, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

During this time he has enjoyed answering thousands of questions regarding credit scores and the information contained in credit reports.

Having a pragmatic disposition as well a broad base of experience in business he has the unique knowledge and academics to assess damages. He has performed training classes to audiences of all levels of sophistication including Professional Groups, Lenders, CEO’s, and Consumers. As a respected Expert in Credit Related Damages, Credit Reporting, and Scoring he serves as a litigation consultant / expert witness for those involved in credit damages litigation.