Attorney William F. Massengale

William F. Massengale is a seasoned trial attorney who has spent his career in courtrooms, fighting for justice and guiding people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He joined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2025 and focuses his extensive litigation experience on personal injury cases.

Rooted in North Carolina, Grounded in the Law

Billy, as his colleagues, clients, and friends call him, was born in Chapel Hill and spent his formative years there and in the mountains of Ashe County before attending high school in Asheville. He decided early on that “when he commits to something, he will commit entirely” – a trait that translates directly to his legal career, where he strives to be the best trial lawyer he can be for his clients.

Billy grew up immersed in the law. A fifth-generation attorney, his family’s legal legacy stretches back to the 1800’s and his great-great-grandfather, Thomas A. McNeill, a Superior Court Judge and State Representative from Lumberton, NC. As a child, Billy watched firsthand as his father, a beloved criminal defense lawyer and lifelong hero, helped people navigate the court system and overcome adversity with compassion and integrity for nearly forty years.

Billy attended Appalachian State University and majored in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. After graduating from App State, Billy attended North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Trial Work

He has tried hundreds of bench trials and dozens of jury trials.

Billy has spent his career at both tables in the courtroom, including time as an Assistant District Attorney in both Orange and Durham counties. In Orange County, his focus was on prosecuting driving-while-impaired charges. In Durham, his caseload centered on dozens of first-degree murder cases. While in private practice, he handled both criminal defense and civil plaintiff litigation, earning numerous acquittals and recovering millions of dollars, including a $6.2 million settlement in a disputed liability products case – the Friday before trial.¹

Ready for the Next Fight

With over a decade of legal experience and thousands of hours spent in court, Billy has honed his skills in high-stakes litigation through hard work and preparation. He joined James Scott Farrin to stand up for individuals harmed by negligence by pursuing the justice they deserve – always striving to hold powerful entities accountable for irresponsible actions.

Outside the courtroom, Billy is an avid music lover with an appreciation for all genres. He enjoys experiencing live music whenever he can, especially when it means spending time with friends and family. Billy lives with his wife and their two young daughters in Durham. If they were not so busy, they would spend more time in the mountains of North Carolina.