Behind the Verdict: Trial Seminar | October 9, 2025 | Finney Injury Law
Finney Injury Law Presents

Behind the Verdict.

A one-day trial seminar for plaintiff attorneys, featuring in-depth case reviews from attorneys with recent verdicts. No theory. No fluff. Real trials, real decisions, real results.

OCT
Date
October 9, 2025
11A
Time
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM + Cocktail Hour
STL
Venue
Algonquin Country Club, St. Louis
CLE
Credits
CLE Credit Application Pending
Free to attend Invitation only · Lunch provided · Cocktail hour to follow
About the Seminar

The cases most attorneys are afraid to try.

Behind the Verdict is a one-day seminar designed for plaintiff attorneys at every stage of their career, from those stepping into the courtroom for the first time to those who try cases regularly and want to sharpen what they already know.

Each presenter will walk through a recent trial in depth: the strategy behind it, the obstacles they faced, and the decisions that determined the outcome. This is not a lecture on legal theory. It is a candid, detailed account of what actually happens when you try a case.

Attendees were selected by invitation based on age and experience. The goal is to build camaraderie among the plaintiff's bar, and to give every attorney in the room the confidence and knowledge to get in the courtroom more often.

What You Will Hear

Each presentation goes deep.

Opening statements
Closing arguments
Evidence strategy
Demonstratives
Expert witnesses
Client preparation
Dealing with opposing counsel
Handling adverse rulings
Damages presentation
Open discussion & Q&A

Each presenter will have an hour to an hour and a half, including open discussion. No breakout groups. One room, one conversation.

Speakers

Attorneys who have been in the courtroom recently.

Each speaker was selected because they tried a case in the last twelve months that resulted in a significant verdict. Their experience is current. Their insight is firsthand.

Chris Finney
Host & Speaker

Chris Finney

Founder · Finney Injury Law · St. Louis, MO

Trial attorney and founder of Finney Injury Law. Former insurance defense attorney who left to represent injured people. Known for the $20M wrongful death verdict in a trucking case, from a $0 pre-trial offer.

Full Bio →
Toni Schlapprizzi
Speaker

Toni Schlapprizzi

Schlapprizzi Law · St. Louis, MO

Trial attorney licensed in Missouri and Illinois, representing survivors of serious injury and wrongful death in state and federal court. A graduate of Washington University School of Law, she practices alongside her brother, Craig, and her father, Don, and is a strong believer in the jury process as an equalizer against powerful institutions.

Craig Schlapprizzi
Speaker

Craig Schlapprizzi

Schlapprizzi Law · St. Louis, MO

Trial attorney focused on representing everyday people in the courtroom, in front of a jury. A graduate of Washington University School of Law, he serves on the Board of Governors of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and is a member of the ABA and the American Association for Justice.

Matt Nakajima
Speaker

Matt Nakajima

Trial Attorney

Trial attorney focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, including trucking and car collisions, defective products, and dangerous premises claims. In nearly two decades of practice he has secured more than 45 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, including over $120 million recovered since 2025 alone.

Nolan Drafahl
Speaker

Nolan Drafahl

Drafahl Law Firm · St. Louis, MO

Trial attorney who has argued before the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Missouri. A Washington University School of Law graduate, he has been named a Missouri Super Lawyer® and recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 10 Trucking member and Top 100 Civil Plaintiff lawyer in Missouri.

Additional speaker(s) may be announced. Check back for updates.

Schedule

October 9, 2025 Full Day

11:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Chris Finney: context, goals, and what to expect from the day
11:15 AM
Presentation One
In-depth trial review: case to be announced
12:30 PM
Lunch
Provided on-site
1:15 PM
Presentation Two
In-depth trial review: case to be announced
2:30 PM
Presentation Three
Toni & Craig Schlapprizzi: TBI case, Illinois
3:45 PM
Open Discussion
Group discussion: questions, strategies, co-counsel opportunities
4:00 PM
Cocktail Hour
Heavy appetizers, continued discussion, networking

Schedule subject to minor adjustments. CLE credit requirements will be communicated to registered attendees.

Venue

Algonquin Country Club.

St. Louis, Missouri. Lunch will be provided. Heavy appetizers and cocktails to follow the formal program.

Detailed venue information and parking instructions will be sent to registered attendees ahead of the event.

Who This Is For

Built for plaintiff attorneys at every stage.

Younger attorneys wanting to get into the courtroom for the first time

Mid-career attorneys who have trial experience and want to sharpen their approach

Active trial attorneys looking to learn from peers with recent verdicts

Attorneys considering co-counsel arrangements on cases they haven't tried alone

"My bet is that many of the attendees have cases just like these that they are too afraid to try."

Chris Finney, Organizer

CLE Credits

Credit application pending.

The organizers are applying for CLE credit approval. Registered attendees will be notified of credit hours and any requirements (including PowerPoint submissions from speakers) once confirmed.

Admission

Free, invitation only.

There is no cost to attend. Attendees were selected by invitation. Lunch and cocktail hour are included. If you received an invitation and have questions, contact the firm directly.

Questions

Have a question about the event?

Reach out to the firm directly. Abi or Vanesa will be in touch about speaker bios and event logistics.

Contact the Firm →
(314) 293-4222