Nationally Recognized Authority
The foremost national expert in consumer vehicle leasing and financing — author of the only two authoritative treatises in the field, serving attorneys, corporations, and consumers for over four decades.
Yale B.S. '71
UC Berkeley J.D. '74
AV Martindale-Hubbell
40+ Years
Nationally Recognized Authority
I
Litigation Support
Independent, authoritative testimony that analyzes complex automotive and financial issues in state and federal courts nationwide related to auto financing, sales and leasing, including consumer vehicle insurance and wholesale and retail vehicle valuation.
II
Advisory Services
Subject-matter expertise in auto leasing, vehicle lending and finance, auto insurance, dealership operations, and regulatory compliance including Regulation Z and Regulation M.
III
Conflict Resolution
Compassionate, neutral mediation for families navigating divorce and separation, with a specialized focus on child custody arrangements that prioritize the well-being of children.
IV
Binding Resolution
Serving as a neutral decision-maker in consumer matters — resolving disputes involving auto purchases, leasing, financing, warranties, insurance, and consumer protection claims.
Credentials & Authority
Mr. McCathren has authored the only two authoritative treatises on consumer vehicle leasing published in the last 50 years: Essentials of Consumer Vehicle Leasing (1985) and Auto Lending and Leasing Manual (1989). He served as Managing Director of the Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors (ACVL) for over 30 years, representing every major domestic and import captive finance company.
He has served as consultant to the Federal Reserve Board, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and played a central role in the development of the New York Motor Vehicle Retail Leasing Act — the first comprehensive vehicle leasing consumer protection statute in the country.
B.S. Engineering & Applied Science, magna cum laude · 1971
J.D. · Associate Editor, California Law Review · 1974
AV Preeminent — the highest possible peer review rating
President & Principal Consultant · 1982 – Present
Managing Director · 1993 – 2024
As Featured In
Quoted as a leading authority on consumer vehicle leasing and automotive finance
How to Retain Services
A straightforward, five-step process designed to establish a clear, professional engagement — from your first inquiry through active case work.
01
Submit Your Case Overview
Contact us through the secure inquiry form or by phone with a brief summary of your matter — the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the type of expertise you are seeking. All initial inquiries are treated as confidential.
Response within 24–48 business hours
02
Verify Independence & Availability
Mr. McCathren conducts a thorough conflict-of-interest review to confirm his independence and impartiality with respect to all parties in your matter. Availability for your timeline is also confirmed at this stage.
Typically completed within 1–2 business days
03
Define the Engagement
A confidential consultation is scheduled to discuss the specific issues in your case, the scope of services required (expert witness, consulting, mediation, or arbitration), anticipated deliverables, and preliminary timeline.
Conducted by phone or video conference
04
Formalize the Relationship
A engagement letter is prepared outlining the scope of services, fee structure, retainer amount, confidentiality obligations, and any applicable professional standards. No work commences until the engagement letter is fully executed by both parties.
Written agreement required prior to commencement
05
Expert Work Begins
Upon execution of the engagement letter and receipt of the retainer, Mr. McCathren begins his review of materials, analysis, and preparation of deliverables — whether that is an expert report, deposition preparation, mediation sessions, or arbitration proceedings.
Regular status updates provided throughout
No engagement is established until a written agreement is executed.
“I’ve worked with Randall on a number of projects over the last 20 years and recommended him to my clients as an expert witness or litigation consultant on many technical auto leasing or financing issues.”
Thomas B. Hudson
Former Senior Partner, Hudson Cook, LLP
“Randall's expert report (52 pages plus extensive analytical appendices) in my highly complex damage case completely undercut the opposing expert and provided the necessary backup to support our defense. Randall's assistance and expert services played a large role in the favorable result we obtained in the litigation.”
Daniel Izenson
Partner, Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL, (513) 579-6480
“In a complex residual value insurance case, Randall was able to simplify and explain the damages issues in a compelling and comprehensive manner. He proved to be an invaluable resource for the myriad of issues that arose in the litigation. Randall was easy to work with and presented his opinions in a comprehensive written report. During a three-day deposition, his testimony was articulate and persuasive.”
Thomas Lucchesi,
Partner, Baker & Hostettler LLP, (216) 861-7672
“Randall McCathren served as a consultant and expert witness in a highlytechnical case with more than $100 million of damages at stake for my client. While I have worked with many, many expert witnesses during my 25 years of litigation practice, none exceeded Randall’s thoroughness, ingenuity, technical competence and dedication to my client’s interests. He has a rare combination of technical expertise, mathematical/econometric knowledge and abilities (that enabled us to build a “bullet- proof” damage model) and excellent speaking ability.”
Michael Moirano,
Litigation Partner, Nisen & Elliott, (312) 696-2508
“Serving on the FRB Lease Education Committee with Randall, there were numerous representatives from both the private and public but there was really only one true ‘expert:’ Randall McCathren. He educated the committee and the FRB staff about the leasing industry and its inherent complexity – I believe he’s the most knowledgeable person in the country on auto leasing and financing.”
Terry O’Loughlin
Former Assistant Attorney General, Florida Office of the Attorney General, (954) 718-9266
"Randall McCathren has worked for me as an expert witness and litigation consultant on a number of cases. His technical knowledge in the automotive, consumer finance and insurance industries is second to none. He is also creative in developing new legal theories and responses to legal issues. I would wholeheartedly recommend him for cases in any of these areas. "
Ed Normand
Founding partner of Normand PLLC. (407) 603-6031
Whether you need expert witness testimony, consulting guidance, mediation services, or arbitration, Mr. McCathren brings unmatched depth of knowledge and decades of courtroom experience.
