In the News
With more than 60 attorneys in our firm practicing in various areas of the law, the media trusts us to provide knowledge and information that concern the community and the state.
For media requests, please contact media@farrin.com.
Below Are Some of Our Most Recent Press Releases, News, and Appearances in Media:
“Durham Magazine” Honors the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin on its 2026 ‘Best of Durham’ List*
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has been recognized by “Durham Magazine” to its 2026 ‘Best of Durham’ list in the Best Lawyer – Civil Litigation category.* The honor recognizes businesses and professionals that help define and enrich the Durham community. Read more.
*For standards of inclusion, visit durhammag.com.
31 James Scott Farrin Attorneys Recognized on 2027 “Best Lawyers” Lists
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to announce that 31 of the firm’s 60+ attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 editions of ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ ‘Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch’, and ‘Lawyer of the Year’ lists.* The highly selective peer-reviewed recognition from “Best Lawyers in America” honors only 5% of U.S. attorneys across a broad range of practice areas.
Among this year’s honorees, Elizabeth Ligon Noriega was named Raleigh’s 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants, a distinction awarded to the attorney receiving the highest overall peer feedback in that practice area and geographic region.* Read more.
*Standards of inclusion: bestlawyers.com
11th Consecutive ‘Best Law Firms’ Recognition Highlights James Scott Farrin’s Commitment to Clients
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to announce that it has been honored by “Best Lawyers” on its 2026 ‘Best Law Firms’ list.* The rigorous and comprehensive ranking process compiles results from 110,000+ client references, 70,000 peer-lawyers surveys, and almost 1,000 leadership interviews. Read more.
*For standards of inclusion, visit bestlawyers.com.
Attorneys Coleman Cowan and Donald Clack Secure Multi-Million Dollar Judgment for Deceased’s Estate1
Firm Partner and litigation team lead Coleman Cowan and litigation attorney Donald Clack secured a $5.1M compensatory damages verdict for the family of a woman tragically killed in a 2023 car crash caused by a negligent driver.1 Read more.
Other Appearances
James Scott Farrin Named to 2026 Raleigh-Durham ‘Top Workplaces’ List*
September 24th, 2026: The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has been named to the 2026 Raleigh-Durham ‘Top Workplaces’ list, presented in partnership with “The News & Observer.”* The firm is one of only nine organizations with more than 150 employees selected for recognition in the region. The recognition is based solely on employee feedback gathered through the “Energage Workplace Survey” and adds to other recent honors for the firm and its attorneys, including an 11th consecutive appearance on the “Best Lawyers in America” ‘Best Law Firms’ list4 for 2026. Read more. *For standards of inclusion, visit topworkplaces.com.
“Durham Magazine” Honors the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin on its 2026 ‘Best of Durham’ List*
September 17th, 2026: The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has been recognized by “Durham Magazine” to its 2026 ‘Best of Durham’ list in the Best Lawyer – Civil Litigation category.* The honor recognizes businesses and professionals that help define and enrich the Durham community. Read more. *For standards of inclusion, visit durhammag.com.
James Scott Farrin Welcomes Experienced Litigator Kala Chapalonis
September 3rd, 2026: Attorney Kala Chapalonis has joined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, bringing significant litigation experience from her work as a trial attorney. Licensed in North Carolina and Massachusetts, Chapalonis applies a client-centered approach and personal understanding of life-altering medical challenges to her work advocating for injured people. Read more.
31 James Scott Farrin Attorneys Recognized on 2027 “Best Lawyers” Lists
August 20th, 2026: The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to announce that 31 of the firm's 60+ attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 editions of ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ ‘Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch’, and ‘Lawyer of the Year’ lists.* The highly selective peer-reviewed recognition from “Best Lawyers in America” honors only 5% of U.S. attorneys across a broad range of practice areas. Among this year's honorees, Elizabeth Ligon Noriega was named Raleigh's 2027 "Lawyer of the Year" for Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants, a distinction awarded to the attorney receiving the highest overall peer feedback in that practice area and geographic region.* Read more. *Standards of inclusion: bestlawyers.com
Preston Lesley Accepted Into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum*
July 9th, 2026: Partner Preston Lesley has been accepted into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the nation's most prestigious organizations of trial lawyers. This recognition is reserved for attorneys who have served as lead counsel in cases resulting in multi-million-dollar verdicts, awards, or settlements.* Preston's acceptance reflects dedicated advocacy, litigation experience, and a commitment to helping injured people throughout North Carolina. Read more. *For standards of inclusion, visit milliondollaradvocates.com. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately.
Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Welcomes Leila Hicks Jarmusz Back to Injury Team
May 21st, 2026: Personal injury attorney Leila Hicks Jarmusz has rejoined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, bringing extensive experience advocating for individuals injured due to negligence. Her return strengthens the firm’s commitment to serving injured people across North Carolina. Read more.
*For information regarding the standards for inclusion for awards mentioned, visit www.bestlawyers.com, www.superlawyers.com, www.usnews.com, thenationaltriallawyers.org, nclawyersweekly.com, nbltop100.org, businessnc.com, and www.martindale.com.