Service Area
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.
Role & Function
An expert witness is retained to provide independent, specialized knowledge that analyzes technical or industry-specific issues in a case. In the auto industry, that expertise spans all aspects of vehicle financing and leasing and compliance as well as vehicle values in insurance loss cases, dealership operation standards and consumer protection issues.
Mr. McCathren brings more than 40 years of industry experience to every engagement. He has served as an expert witness in more than 75 litigation cases, providing testimony that has been universally accepted by courts at both the state and federal level. His legal and education credentials and accomplishments as the author of the only two authoritative treatises in consumer vehicle financing and leasing — and his decades of regulatory work with the Federal Reserve Board, NCUA, and CFPB — give his testimony unmatched authority.
75+
Expert witness cases
40+
Years of industry experience
250+
Clients including every major auto finance company
$2B+
In auto finance, leasing, compliance and insurance cases
Areas of Testimony
Attorney Resources
Common questions from attorneys and parties considering retaining Mr. McCathren as an expert witness, consultant, mediator, or arbitrator.
Mr. McCathren brings over 40 years of hands-on experience in the consumer automotive finance, leasing and insurance industries. He is the author of 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 consulted for the Federal Reserve Board, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest possible peer review rating for legal professionals.
Mr. McCathren has provided expert witness services in both state and federal courts across the United States. His expertise spans consumer protection litigation, auto leasing and finance disputes, dealership operations matters, regulatory compliance cases, and vehicle lending issues. He is equally experienced providing written expert reports, deposition testimony, and trial testimony. He has been qualified as an expert in every matter in which he has been engaged.
His testimony covers the full spectrum of consumer automotive matters: Vehicle insurance total loss values, auto leasing training, practices and compliance, vehicle financing terms and disclosure requirements, dealer practices and F&I (finance and insurance) operations, regulatory compliance under the Consumer Leasing Act, Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and applicable state statutes, industry customs and standards of care, insurance-related automotive claims, and unfair or deceptive trade practices in the automotive sector. Mr. McCathren’s encyclopedic knowledge and access to industry contacts and data provide the most creative and effective expertise in the industry.
Yes. Mr. McCathren frequently serves in a dual capacity — first as a confidential consulting expert to help counsel understand the technical issues and develop case strategy, and then, if appropriate, transitioning to a testifying expert. The scope of his role is defined in the engagement contract and can be structured to meet the specific needs of your case and applicable discovery rules.
The engagement process involves four steps: (1) an initial confidential inquiry describing your matter; (2) a conflict-of-interest check to confirm availability; (3) a scope discussion to define deliverables and timeline; (4) execution of an engagement contract; No work begins and no relationship is established until the engagement contract is executed by both parties.
Fees are billed on an hourly basis and vary depending on the scope and complexity of the engagement. A retainer is generally required prior to commencement of work. The engagement contract specifies the hourly rate, retainer amount, billing cycle, and any applicable travel or expense reimbursement terms. Mr. McCathren does not accept contingency-based fee arrangements for expert witness services, which preserves his independence and credibility as a neutral expert.
We recommend reaching out as early as possible in the litigation — ideally at or before the discovery phase. Early retention allows Mr. McCathren to assist with identifying the key technical issues, reviewing documents as they are produced, and helping shape deposition questions for opposing witnesses. Last-minute retentions are sometimes possible depending on availability, but early engagement is likely to be more cost-effective and conducive to better outcomes for counsel and their clients.
Mr. McCathren conducts a thorough conflict-of-interest review before accepting any engagement. He does not accept contingency fees, which would compromise his neutrality. His opinions are based solely on the facts of the case, applicable industry standards, and his professional expertise — not on the preferences of retaining counsel. He is equally willing to identify opinions that are unfavorable to the retaining party, which helps guide litigation strategy.
No. Mr. McCathren has not been disqualified as an expert witness in any proceeding. His qualifications, methodology, and opinions have consistently withstood Daubert and Frye challenges. His extensive publication record, regulatory consulting history, and industry knowledge and leadership provide a robust foundation for qualification in any jurisdiction.
Whether you need expert witness testimony, consulting guidance, mediation services, or arbitration, Mr. McCathren brings unmatched depth of knowledge and decades of courtroom experience.
