12444 POWERSCOURT DR., SUITE 300 ST. LOUIS, MO 63131
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
What Do You Stand For? The Power of Owning Core Values
2
Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
2
Stay Alert, Stay Afloat: Why Summer Boating Safety Is a Must
3
Avoid Fireworks Injuries This Independence Day
3
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
4
Behind the Scenes Before a High-Stakes Trial
The choice of a lawyer is an important one and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
BEFORE THE VERDICT: WHAT IT TAKES TO PREPARE FOR TRIAL THE ISSUES WE FACE
It is hard to believe we are already midway through the summer. As I write this, Chris and I just completed a jury trial in St. Louis County. It had been one year since our firm tried a case. It felt good to be back. As Chris mentioned, the firm achieved a tremendous result for a wonderful human being. I want to add some perspective on how we prepare for a jury trial. An almost unwritten rule at Finney Injury Law is, “We prepare every case as if it were to be jury tried.” The work starts from day one, when the client engages us to represent them. We work tirelessly to leave no stone unturned in our investigations. We remember the Three I’s: investigation, insurance, and injury. Together, they make any trial and its result possible. In the days before the trial, a sense of calm prevails. There is no scrambling. There are no 18-hour days or working weekends. Instead, the focus is on connection — on spending time with the human being we are representing. Often, that means sharing a meal or visiting them at home. This builds an incredible attorney- client bond, but we never think about it in those terms. Instead, it
is two human beings getting to know each other. By the time the trial starts, we can talk about our client to the jury as if they were a good friend or family member. Genuine connection is the focus in our preparation, and it shows in the courtroom. Beyond the human connection are the actual logistics of the trial. This means carefully crafting jury instructions, organizing exhibit binders, thinking, reflecting, and preparing for possible legal issues that may arise. Also, it means preparing jury presentation software, a program from LitSoftware called TrialPad. To say I am obsessed with it would be an understatement. It is a powerful tool. Lastly, the support from the entire team is paramount. Some are making sure the office runs seamlessly for our other clients. Others are at the courthouse, providing support for us and our client. Without them, we would not be able to give each case our best effort.
Now, on to the next one!
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator