Murray and Trettel's Weather Command has been providing meteorological consulting services since 1946. A staff of 16 highly qualified meteorologists provides written opinions, depositions, site visits and expert testimony for weather related incidents. Availability to detailed weather records for all 50 States. Staff are members of the American Meteorological Society, National Weather Association, Midewstern Regional Climate Center Advisory Panel, Northern Illinois University Meteorology Department Advisory Panel, Nuclear Utility Meteorological Users Group, Snow and Ice Management Association, and the Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals.

Background

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: Bachelor or Science in Meteorology

Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: American Meteorological Society, National Weather Association, Nuclear Utility Meteorological data Users Group, Snown and Ice Management Association, Illinois Association of Environmental Professsionals, Midwestern Climate Center Advisory Panel, Northern Illinois University Meteorology Department Advisory Panel

Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Adjunct Faculty - Prairie State College, 15 years, Physical Science, Meteorology, Astronomy
Adjunct Faculty - South Suburban College, 10 years, Aviation Meteorology
Numerous speaking engaments for clients including departments of transportation, utility companies, snow removal companies.
Presentations at professional conferences including American Meteorological Society, Nuclear Utility Meteorological Users Group, Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals.

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No

Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Over 20

Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Forensic meteorology including but not limited to slip and fall, rail, marine, wind damage, lightning strike, hail damage, flooding.

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 25%

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 75%

Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Approximately 10

Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 2004

Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: Three

Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: Three

Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: Ten

Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Provide detailed weather data, written opinions, site visits, depositions, expert testimony

Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $150 in office effort, $200 out of office effort

Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: Retainer of $750 covers one man-day (8 hours). Hourly rate thereafter is $150 per hour.

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: Minimum deposition fee is $1,000 (not billed hourly)

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: Minimum testimony fee is $1,000 (not billed hourly)

Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Mileage at IRS Standard Mileage Rate
Airfare at cost
Per Diem $200 per day (includes lodging, meals, transportation and incidentals)
Data cost and other required expenses billed at actual cost +20%

References

Ann Collins-Dole
City of Chicago
Department of Law
Suite 800
30 North LaSalle, St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-144-6401
Gary Fresen
Grant, Ross, Fanning & Pittman
550 West Washington, Blvd.
Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60661
312-775-9750

Publications