MedMal/Expert Witness Work for Physicians: Compensation & Getting Started
Based on data from 5 physicians on OffCall
What Physicians Earn from MedMal/Expert Witness Work
Typical Compensation: $10,000–$50,000/year Compensation Range:
- Top earners: $50,000+
- Time Commitment: 1–4 hours per week typically Data reflects 2025 responses from OffCall physicians
What Is MedMal/Expert Witness Work?
Medical malpractice (MedMal) and expert witness work involves reviewing legal cases to determine whether the standard of care was met in a given medical situation. Physicians evaluate patient records, write reports, consult with legal teams, and occasionally testify in depositions or court.
This work leverages your clinical judgment and documentation experience in a retrospective, analytical setting. Most of the time is spent independently reviewing cases and preparing reports, with less frequent time demands for depositions or in-person testimony.
Many physicians are drawn to this side gig because of its flexible hours, strong hourly compensation, and the opportunity to engage intellectually without clinical risk or liability. While some fear it involves courtroom drama, the vast majority of cases never go to trial.
Who This Side Gig Works Best For
Ideal Candidates:
- Board-certified physicians with strong documentation and communication skills
- Willingness to remain objective under legal scrutiny
- Experience in peer review, quality improvement, or chart audits
- Ability to work independently with attention to detail
Less Ideal For:
- Physicians uncomfortable being deposed or challenged by attorneys
- Those unwilling to work under legal deadlines or compliance expectations
- Clinicians with recent malpractice history or disciplinary actions
How to Get Started
Start by listing your credentials on expert witness directories like SEAK, ExpertPages, or Round Table Group. You can also find opportunities through attorney referrals, LinkedIn, or networking with colleagues who’ve done similar work.
You'll need board certification, active clinical experience, and confidence in your ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. Highlight your specialty, teaching experience, or any prior peer review roles to build trust with attorneys.
What to Charge
Expert witness work is among the most lucrative per-hour physician side gigs. Hourly rates often start around $350 and can exceed $700/hour for experienced physicians or trial appearances. Based on OffCall data, physicians working 1–4 hours/week can earn $10,000–$50,000/year.
Bill hourly, request an upfront retainer, and clearly outline scope (chart review, phone calls, report writing, deposition, testimony). Avoid contingency-based offers—reputable expert work is always compensated regardless of case outcome.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Testifying outside your expertise: Stick to active practice areas—credibility is everything in legal work.
- Becoming a hired gun: Attorneys respect objectivity. Favoring one side consistently can erode your professional reputation.
- Undervaluing prep time: Reports and depositions take longer than expected—track your hours and charge accordingly.
Compare Your Side Gig Income
See how physicians in your specialty are diversifying income. Join thousands of physicians using OffCall to benchmark their compensation for primary and side jobs.
Offcall Team is the official Offcall account.