Our Expert Witnesses

Credentials that hold up in court. Testimony built on field experience.

Testifying Experts

Engineering Expertise. Courtroom Credibility.

LaRovere Consulting's expert witnesses hold licenses, certifications, and field experience that courts have recognized. Each expert brings a combination of hands-on technical depth and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to a judge or jury. Our experts work exclusively through retained legal counsel and provide Daubert-compliant methodology, written reports, and deposition and trial testimony.

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) Certified Energy Manager (CEM) ASHRAE Standards Nationwide Engagements

HVAC / MEP Engineer | Expert Witness

Joshua Drake , PE, CEM, MSME

Joshua Drake is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and over 13 years of experience in HVAC and MEP engineering. His expert witness work spans construction defect litigation, HVAC system failure analysis, energy system performance disputes, and code compliance matters in state and federal courts. Drake's combination of academic credentials and extensive field engineering experience makes him qualified to address both the technical and standards-based dimensions of complex mechanical system disputes.

Areas of Expertise

HVAC and MEP system design, analysis, and performance evaluation
Expert witness testimony in state and federal litigation
Forensic engineering and construction defect analysis
Building code and ASHRAE standards compliance review
Energy efficiency and performance dispute analysis
Federal facilities engineering and infrastructure assessment

Credentials

Licensed Professional Engineer — AZ PE #77932
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) #27909 — Association of Energy Engineers
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
LEED AP BD+C — U.S. Green Building Council
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health

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Expert Consultant | Forensic HVAC Specialist

Lawrence (Larry) Ibsen

Larry Ibsen brings direct, hands-on expertise from more than 350 construction projects in roles spanning contractor, owner/operator, estimator, and project manager. His forensic consulting work focuses on HVAC system failures, mechanical installation defects, and contractor standards of care. Larry's depth of field experience gives attorneys access to expert analysis grounded in real-world installation and operational practice — the kind of practical authority that cannot be manufactured in an academic setting and that cross-examination cannot easily undermine.

Areas of Expertise

Chillers, boilers, air handlers, and large-scale commercial HVAC
Forensic defect investigation and cause-and-origin analysis
Contractor standards of care evaluation
Construction site inspections, estimating, and scheduling
HVAC system failure remediation strategy

Credentials

350+ Construction Projects as Contractor, Owner/Operator, and Project Manager
Commercial and Institutional HVAC Systems Specialist
Forensic Investigation and Defect Analysis

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Founder | Expert Witness | USN Veteran

Joseph LaRovere , CEM

Joseph LaRovere is a U.S. Navy submarine veteran and mechanical systems expert with more than 35 years of industry experience. He has served as a testifying expert witness in construction defect, HVAC failure, and building systems litigation across multiple jurisdictions. His field background spans the full lifecycle of mechanical systems — installation, commissioning, long-term operation, and forensic failure investigation — giving him the hands-on authority that holds up in deposition and at trial.

Areas of Expertise

HVAC system failure analysis and forensic investigation
Construction defect evaluation and expert testimony
Energy management, building controls, and performance analysis
Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems evaluation
Contractor standard of care analysis in litigation

Credentials

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) #16585 — Association of Energy Engineers
U.S. Navy Submarine Force Veteran
35+ Years Mechanical Systems Field Experience

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How We Work with Legal Teams

Retain Counsel First

We engage exclusively through legal counsel. Attorneys or their clients with representation in place submit case details for an initial evaluation.

Case Evaluation

We review the matter, identify the applicable expert, and confirm scope. Most evaluations are completed within two business days of submission.

Site Investigation & Report

The assigned expert conducts site inspection, document review, and analysis using recognized industry standards. A written report follows with full methodology disclosure.

Deposition & Trial

Our experts are available for deposition preparation, deposition, and trial testimony. We coordinate directly with the retaining attorney throughout.

Ready to Retain an Expert?

Submit your case for a free initial evaluation. Our team responds within two business days.

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