Take a look at our December newsletter!
TRIALS & THEIR TALES
- NEWSLETTER -
12444 POWERSCOURT DR., SUITE 300 • ST. LOUIS, MO 63131 // FINNEYINJURYLAW.COM // 314-293-4222 // DECEMBER 2025
Behind Every Great Case Is a Great Team GROWING THE FIRM
I’d like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable, relaxing, and just as you imagined. It goes without saying that as we get older, the holidays become something we look forward to more and more. I don’t believe I’m alone in that. We had two trials in October. Unfortunately, one did not go the way we wanted, but we are diligently working to try to get it back. That requires additional time and resources dedicated to motions for a new trial, and perhaps to appeals. I am proud of how our team jumped into action to begin drafting the necessary motions. That is something I always dreamed of. It’s a very good feeling to see teammates capably and professionally handling different aspects of the legal practice. Losing is no fun, but it is part of the business. New Faces We have some new faces around the office. We recently made one of our biggest and splashiest hires: We added Jaclyn Kinkade as a trial lawyer in our office. Why is this such a big deal? Because with this hire, we were targeting a partner in a defense law firm. It really feels like a big-time move. Jaclyn has tons of experience and brings so many good ideas and fresh perspectives to our team. She was also my trial team partner in law school. I believe we are on the verge of doing some very, very big things. When we first set out to add another trial attorney, we knew we had to be aggressive. We made a list of four candidates we thought would be a perfect fit for us, and we began to target them. That meant reaching out directly and being totally honest with them about what we were looking for. Years ago, it would have been difficult to get an audience with these lawyers. To my surprise, every single one of these candidates responded to our outreach, saying they were interested and willing to talk. That is a reflection of the caliber of people we have at this office, and the quality of the product we put out.
We made sure to have a diligent interview process. We spent a lot of time with the candidates discussing who would help us where. I can say without reservation that every single one of those candidates would have been a tremendous hire for us. I truly wish I could have hired all four. I honestly hope I am able to do that someday. A Great Fit At the end of the day, we felt Jaclyn was the best fit. And thus far, I am happy to report that our decision has been correct. She was able to provide significant assistance in the two trials we had this past October, offering valuable insights on different aspects of each case. I don’t know how a law firm is supposed to feel. But I know I like how our current situation feels and looks, not only for our people but also for our clients. Our goal is to continue to build on this foundation. The people we add are going to be high-quality individuals capable of contributing on a very significant level. What I hope to make clear in all of this is that we are continuing to invest heavily in making our office more effective, professional, and experienced. We are committed to practicing intelligent effort, honesty, and ownership in our day-to-day work and hiring practices. I don’t know what
our future looks like at this point. That is something Will, our COO and CFO, asks me on a regular basis. But I can tell you I’m very excited about the present.
Happy New Year!
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From Sky to Savannah
Canada and the northern U.S., monarchs head south toward central Mexico. Along the way, they breed and die, passing the torch to their offspring. By the time the journey is complete, 4–5 generations have passed over the span of the trip. The Great Wildebeest Migration On the savannahs of East Africa, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, follow the rains in what’s known as the Great Migration. Their route forms a massive loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, filled with dangers, from predators like lions to perilous river crossings guarded by crocodiles. Despite the risks, this spectacle continues each year. Altitudinal Migration While some species traverse continents, others take shorter but equally vital journeys. Many animals, like Red Pandas, spotted owls, and snow leopards, practice altitudinal migration and climb to higher elevations in summer when food is abundant. Then they descend in winter for shelter and warmth. Though smaller in scale, these seasonal shifts are just as critical for survival. Migration is a survival strategy shaped by millions of years of evolution. Nature’s great migrations are living reminders of resilience and interconnectedness. Every journey, whether by bird, butterfly, or wildebeest, shows how far life will go to endure.
THE WORLD’S MOST REMARKABLE ANIMAL MIGRATIONS
Across the globe, animals of all shapes and sizes embark on extraordinary journeys that defy the imagination. Whether by flying, swimming, or running, these migrations are nature’s way of balancing survival with the ever- changing world. Some of these trips cover thousands of miles, while others involve climbing mountains or crossing rivers, but each demonstrates resilience, instinct, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A Record-Breaking Traveler One of the most remarkable travelers is the Arctic tern, a small seabird from the icy North Pole that flies to the far reaches of Antarctica and back, logging up to 25,000 miles! That’s the longest migration of any animal on the planet. For a bird weighing less than a smartphone, it’s an incredible feat. Journey Across Generations The monarch butterfly tells a different kind of migration story: one of teamwork across generations. Starting in
Meet Our New Attorney, Jaclyn Strengthening Our Team
Finney Injury Law is pleased to welcome Jaclyn Kinkade as our newest attorney. Jaclyn brings significant experience to her new position, having served as an assistant attorney general with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and also at the city of St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, where she was assigned to the Special Victims Unit. Prior to joining our firm, she was a partner at a prominent medical malpractice defense firm, representing health care providers and facilities in complex legal matters. Her depth of courtroom experience and commitment to advocacy make her a strong addition to the Finney Injury Law team.
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Celebrate Safely
STOP DRUNK DRIVING TRAGEDIES BEFORE THEY START
A young man bids goodbye to friends at a festive holiday party and climbs behind the wheel of his car. “Kyle just made a decision that will change his whole world,” intones an announcer over ominous music. Kyle swerves down a dark street, runs a red light, and is soon pulled over and booked on a DUI. That gritty scene is among several dramatizations featured in a new public awareness campaign to halt drunk driving over the holidays. In recognition of December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in collaboration with local police, is mounting an enforcement campaign under the slogan “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Each year, a rise in impaired driving turns what should be a season of happiness into one of the deadliest times of year on the road. The periods between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day afternoon, and the hours just after midnight on New Year’s Eve, are among the most hazardous times to drive.
an alcohol-impaired driver, according to the latest available NHTSA data. In two-thirds of these crashes, the impaired drivers went well beyond just being “a little buzzed”: Their blood alcohol content was 0.15% or higher, nearly twice the 0.08% legal limit for most drivers in Missouri and Illinois. The presence of law enforcement officers is one of the most effective deterrents to these risk-takers. NHTSA’s campaign includes news releases, video and audio ads, and a “social media playbook” with content designed for posting on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Among the themes are “A DUI will freeze your holiday plans,” and “A DUI on New Year’s Eve lasts all year long.” Another promotion urges consumers to “spend the holidays with family … not law enforcement.” We wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful holiday season. But if you or a family member happens to be hurt in a traffic accident in Illinois or Missouri involving a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We will be glad to review your case and discuss your right to justice and compensation.
During a five-year period ending in 2023, a total of 5,000 road users were killed in holiday-season crashes involving
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders INGREDIENTS
YOUR REFERRALS MEAN THE WORLD TO US There is no greater compliment we can receive than a client telling a friend or loved one about us. If you know somebody who has been injured and needs an attorney who will fight on their behalf and give their case the attention it deserves, please pass along this newsletter and have them call us at 314-293-4222. Thank you for spreading the word about Finney Injury Law.
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet,
• 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them.
• 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
4. Layer with fontina and Swiss
cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls.
Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an
additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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
Investing in People: The Power of a Strong Legal Team
2
The Great Travelers of the Animal Kingdom
2
A Stronger Team, a Brighter Future: Welcoming Jaclyn
3
Federal Initiative Seeks to Halt Drunk Driving Over the Holidays
3
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
4
Summing Up Our Successes of 2025
The choice of a lawyer is an important one and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Alex Steps Into a New Role for 2026 A ROLLER COASTER YEAR
As I reflect on another successful year at the firm, our work representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases looks like a roller coaster ride. The highs can be very high, followed by some abrupt lows. As much as we try to plan for these ups and downs, we often have to take swift action on a moment’s notice, with all hands on deck. As I think back, January 2025 feels like several years ago. A lot has happened this year. We tried multiple cases to verdict. We won a big Supreme Court victory. We welcomed a new attorney and support staff, whose energy and perspectives will guide us to new heights in 2026. We built new relationships with valuable co-counsel who brought us in to try cases or referred clients to us who needed our help. We tried two cases in back-to-back weeks, strengthening us mentally. And the firm continues to grow as we welcome a new receptionist and begin the search for a new prelitigation lawyer. Personally, in reflecting on 2025, I cherish memories of the last-minute weekend trips with my wife and five kids after a hard week at work. We’ve spent weekends on new adventures
as a family, exploring new places. Together, we have tried to focus on life experiences rather than physical possessions. These adventures are a powerful reminder of why my work matters: to protect those moments that make life meaningful.
Looking ahead, I will be shifting in 2026 into a new role as managing attorney for our firm. In this position, I will be overseeing all of our daily operations, from intake to settlement and from prelitigation to litigation. I am working on a robust training system for our team members. I will be engaging more outside the firm with aspiring law students, other lawyers, and medical providers. And will continue to build strong relationships with the human beings we help every day.
Looking back on 2025, I am grateful for every experience. And looking ahead, here’s to 2026 and beyond!
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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