The Unmentionables! How to Handle Bad Facts or Inadequate Data in an Expert's Analysis

Nov 5, 2019 11:35am ‐ Nov 5, 2019 12:50pm

Identification: FVC1932

While not ideal, unfavorable facts or insufficient data are often an unavoidable reality in many cases involving an expert opinion. How an expert deals with these situations can make or break a case. This session will explore how to strategize with counsel in acknowledging and analyzing weaknesses in a case which may affect an expert’s analysis and opinions.

Learning Objectives:
  • Assess when to concede bad facts versus an absence of opinion through case examples
  • Use techniques learned in this session on how to handle cross examination regarding bad facts
  • Remain objective and protect credibility by avoiding ethical traps, bias and the appearance of favoritism

Impact of Economic Obsolescence on Valuations

Nov 5, 2019 1:50pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 2:40pm

Identification: FVC1934

ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements describes the cost approach to valuation as the cost to a market participant to buy an asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence. Financial valuation specialists in financial reporting often rely upon the work of experts in other disciplines, such as real estate appraisers. The financial valuation expert may encounter circumstances where the returns on assets may not be sufficient for the indicated value. In these circumstances, the financial valuation specialist and the real estate appraiser may consider the application of obsolescence on the fair value of the individual assets. In this session Mark will describe situations where application of economic obsolescence may be appropriate.

Learning Objectives:
  • Apply the concepts of obsolescence in using the cost approach in measuring fair value in financial reporting.
  • Apply economic obsolescence to a specific asset.

How to Groom and Mentor Your Future FLVS Leaders of the Future - Dual Perspectives

Nov 5, 2019 1:50pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 2:40pm

Identification: FVC1937

This session is for all levels, geared towards narrowing the gap between seasoned practitioners and the NexGen leaders of our professional industry. Real life examples and techniques will be discussed on how to train, motivate and retain team members from staff to management-level FVS professionals. The session will help seasoned practitioners to understand and become aware of the challenges in grooming and retaining [young] professionals. Staff turnover hurts an organization in the long run. How to train your staff so they can leave but manage them so they don't want to is the goal. People are a firm's #1 resource.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify issues encountered with motivating and retaining qualified leaders for the future;
  • Recognize the techniques that can be used to provide transparency for future; and
  • Develop action plans to improve employee morale, loyalty and professional development.

Case Studies of Transactions Resulting in Disputes or Litigation - Broken Deals

Nov 5, 2019 1:50pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 2:40pm

Identification: FVC1938

Transactions regularly turn into disputes. Financial experts working in the transaction and disputes streams see deals when they've gone horribly wrong. This session will review examples of broken deals and how they were resolved with support from experts in valuation and loss quantification. There will also be a discussion, for each case, of how the dispute could have been avoided.

Learning Objectives:
  • Contrast dispute and litigation support roles for financial experts.
  • Reconstruct better outcomes when financial experts are involved earlier in the deal process.

SSFS 1 - The New Forensic Standards (Repeat of Session 19)

Nov 5, 2019 3:10pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 4:00pm

Identification: FVC1939

The session will provide a deeper dive into the new SSFS 1 set to roll out in 2020. Speakers will provide practitioners with the tools to know when to apply SSFS 1, how to deal with cross examination and deposition questions regarding the requirements of SSFS 1, how to testify in a fraud case under SSFS 1, and discuss some of the common questions and FAQs about SSFS 1 during the exposure period.

Learning Objectives:
  • Apply SSFS 1
  • Recall SSFS 1 deposition & cross examination implications
  • Testify in a fraud case under SSFS 1

Understanding the Dark Web

Nov 5, 2019 3:10pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 4:00pm

Identification: FVC1941

This session will examine the Dark Web, the channels used to institute private sales and exchanges, and criminal behavior. In this hands-on class, participants will gain a thorough understanding of the Dark Web—criminality, anonymity, counterfeit products, child pornography, and human trafficking; learn the directory structures of the Dark Web; and learn Dark Web languages like Tor and Tails and the lingo of this underworld. Training will include exploring dark web channels for content and finding the resources and specialized search engines for searching against Dark Web content.

Learning Objectives:
  • Explain Dark Web to their clients.
  • Use Tor safely and effectively, while learning the vulnerabilities, and be able to conduct undercover online investigations on the Dark Web.

Practice Management: How to Manage a Forensic/Valuation Practice in a Traditional Accounting Firm

Nov 5, 2019 3:10pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 4:00pm

Identification: FVC1942

Panel will discuss best practices for developing, growing, and maintaining a forensic/valuation practice within a traditional accounting firm. Financial, marketing, and human resources metrics and resources will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify best, and worst, practices implemented by traditional accounting firms.
  • Learn how to improve your practice, whatever its current stage/condition.

Damages Case Study: Rebutting the Speculative Wrapped in an Academic Model

Nov 5, 2019 3:10pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 4:00pm

Identification: FVC1943

The session will be a case study of a damages rebuttal analysis where plaintiffs’ experts (one on causation and one on damages) had speculative analyses that relied heavily on assumptions from management about the prospects of their business. It will also explore the damages expert’s use of an academic model that had limited to no track record in economic damages.

Learning Objectives:
  • Rebuttal speculative damages based on management assumptions, but fed through academic model
  • Effectively take on multiple experts at the same time– hard to follow causation of damages analysis
  • Analyze variances in data used by causation expert and damages expert on same side of case

Daubert and Other Horror Stories

Nov 5, 2019 3:10pm ‐ Nov 5, 2019 4:00pm

Identification: FVC1944

This session will provide an overview the gatekeeping function and relevant cases, strategies for managing a challenge to professional opinions, and examples of successful and unsuccessful defenses to challenges.

Learning Objectives:
  • Indicate rules of the road in challenges to professional opinions
  • Determine tactics and defenses for challenged opinions

Get to the Point - How to Write Clear and Concise Valuation Reports

Nov 6, 2019 7:30am ‐ Nov 6, 2019 8:45am

Identification: FVC1947

This session will discuss techniques and best practices for conveying report findings in a logical, effective, and easy to understand manner.

Learning Objectives:
  • Attendees will leave with tips and techniques as to best practices, language usage,
  • Attendees will have readability when writing valuation and litigation reports.