Preston Lesley

“I enjoy helping others when they need help the most.”

- Preston W. Lesley

preston.lesley@farrin.com

919-226-1946

North Carolina Advocates for Justice Logo

North Carolina Advocates for Justice Member

National Trial Lawyers Logo

Named to “Top 40 Under 40”4 list by The National Trial Lawyers, 2021 – 2024

North Carolina Bar Association Logo

North Carolina Bar Association Member

Attorney Preston W. Lesley (Partner)


Personal injury attorney Preston Lesley joined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2017 and became a Partner in 2024. He values being able to “give a voice to the little guy” and providing guidance so that his clients can focus on moving forward after their injuries.

A North Carolina Native With a Desire to Help Others

Preston grew up in Mount Olive, the youngest of three boys, and recalls looking up to his father who was always the “hardest worker in the room.” He also drew inspiration from a local lawyer who lived up the street. There were not many attorneys in his community, and Preston watched as his neighbors took their problems and questions to this attorney. He recognized early on that he, too, wanted to help others and decided that he could achieve this goal by being a lawyer.

After spending time in Greenville and Wilmington, Preston settled in Raleigh where he earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Political Science from North Carolina State University. He then enrolled at North Carolina Central University School of Law where he was an active participant and a dedicated academic.

In addition to graduating cum laude, Preston was Staff Editor of the Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Law Review, a Class of 2016 Graduation Marshall, a member of the International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, and recipient of a CITI Merit Scholarship and NCCU Foundation Scholarship. Preston also provided pro bono legal assistance with North Carolina Central University’s Elder Law Program and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic.

“Being an attorney provides me with a platform to help others.”

Prior to joining the firm, Preston clerked at another civil litigation firm where he assisted clients who were victims of auto negligence. After three years, he accepted a position as a personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin because he knew that our firm had the tools and resources to help many people, and he was eager for the opportunity.

A Skilled and Experienced Litigation Attorney

Preston is an important member of the litigation team, and he celebrates its success in providing meaningful outcomes for clients. He proudly cites a recent case in which the firm won an appeal on a groundbreaking issue because he knows that the decision will have a meaningful impact on the client’s family and others.1

Preston works hard, empathizes with others, and strives to be the most prepared in the room because he believes that “preparation beats experience any day of the week – and thankfully I have plenty of both.”

Making an Impact in the Legal Community

Preston has also earned the respect of his peers and was named to Best Lawyers in America’s 2024 “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” list4 for personal injury litigation and to The National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” list4 from 2021-2024. As a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice’s Legislative Committee, he helps inform and support their Advocacy Strategic Plan.

Back at Home

Preston and his wife live in Raleigh and are busy parents to their young daughter, Poppy (and dog son, Franklin). He admits to being a workaholic, but when he does relax, he enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, traveling, or cheering on the Wolfpack during football season.

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Licensed In

  • North Carolina

Practice Area

Honors/Awards/
Accomplishments

  • “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” list4 for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs by Best Lawyers in America, 2024
  • “Top 40 Under 40”4 list by The National Trial Lawyers, 2021 – 2024

Memberships

  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • Wake County Bar Association
  • 10th Judicial District Bar Association
  • North Carolina Advocates for Justice
    • Legislative Committee

Admitted to Practice

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • “Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs v. Von Eschenbach: Access to Experimental Drugs: Is Access to Experimental Drugs a Fundamental Right When It Comes to Treatment of the Terminally Ill?” Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law Review (Spring, 2017)

Law School

North Carolina Central University School of Law
Durham, NC
2017, J.D., cum laude

  • Dean’s List throughout law school
  • Class of 2016 Graduation Marshal
  • CITI Merit Scholar
  • NCCU Foundation Scholar
  • The International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi
  • Staff Editor, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Law Review

College

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
2014, B.A. in History, with a minor in Political Science

five star review badge Former Car Accident Client, Online Google Review
Everyone who got involved
Everyone [who] got involved with my case was professional and nice. … This team truly knows its work. I strongly recommend [them] to anyone who is looking for a great team to work with. Thank you Sarai, Daniel, Hannah, and Preston. ❤ 1
five star review badge Former Personal Injury Client, Online Google Review
Preston is the real deal!
Preston is the real deal! Communication was outstanding! Hannah is the glue! Thanks everyone who played a part. Yolanda [was] very nice! 1

For legal reasons and client confidentiality, reviews have been slightly edited to remove identifying information and correct typos.

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