Concept Framework

Expert Exclusivity & Designated Agent Program

A framework for building exclusive expert relationships that protect Vident’s investment in expert promotion and maximize client value.

Why exclusivity matters

When Vident invests in promoting and building an expert’s reputation—through featured campaigns, paid advertising, and law firm outreach—there needs to be a framework ensuring the expert refers inquiries back through Vident rather than being contacted directly. Without this structure, Vident bears the cost of building visibility while the expert captures the value independently.

An exclusivity framework protects Vident’s investment while giving experts significantly more visibility and engagement than they would achieve on their own. It creates a mutually beneficial relationship: Vident provides the marketing engine, the attorney relationships, and the administrative infrastructure, while the expert focuses entirely on what they do best—providing authoritative testimony and consultation.

How it works

A three-step process from expert selection through ongoing engagement management.

Step 1: Expert Selection & Onboarding

  • Vident identifies high-demand experts in key litigation areas
  • Expert agrees to designated agent terms
  • Expert provides CV, credentials, availability, and rate structure
  • Vident creates expert profile and featured content

Step 2: Promotion & Visibility

  • Monthly featured expert spotlight on Vident website
  • Targeted outreach to law firms in relevant practice areas
  • Paid advertising targeting attorney searches
  • Content creation (research briefings, case analyses)

Step 3: Referral & Engagement Management

  • All inquiries routed through Vident
  • If contacted directly, expert refers back to Vident as their agent
  • Vident handles scheduling, conflict checks, and rate negotiations
  • Expert focuses on their expertise, not on business development

Proposed agreement framework

Six key terms that define the relationship between Vident and designated experts.

Duration

12-month initial term with auto-renewal. Either party can terminate with 90 days notice.

Exclusivity Scope

Expert agrees Vident is their designated referral agent for litigation consulting and expert witness engagements.

Direct Contact Protocol

If an attorney contacts the expert directly (not through Vident), expert refers them to Vident for coordination.

Promotion Commitment

Vident commits to monthly featured content, targeted outreach, and advertising investment.

Revenue Share

Standard Vident referral fee structure applies. Expert receives higher visibility in exchange.

Non-Compete

Agreement does not prevent expert from accepting engagements through other channels for existing relationships predating the agreement.

Discussion points for Arie

Questions and considerations to explore before finalizing the framework.

  • Does Vident currently have any form of exclusivity or preferred relationship with experts?
  • What’s the typical referral fee structure for expert engagements?
  • Would existing expert relationships be grandfathered into a new framework?
  • How does Vident currently handle situations where an attorney contacts an expert directly?
  • Would experts be willing to agree to designated agent terms in exchange for increased promotion?
  • Legal review needed: employment vs. independent contractor considerations

Ready to discuss the exclusivity framework?

Let’s schedule a call to walk through these concepts and tailor the agreement to Vident’s needs.

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