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.

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.” These traits have served him well as he’s appeared and argued before the North Carolina Supreme Court and the North Carolina Court of Appeals several times in his career.

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 “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” list⁴ in 2024 and 2025 for personal injury litigation and to The National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” list⁴ from 2021-2025. 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.

Read More

• 22 James Scott Farrin Attorneys Recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" on 2025 'Best Lawyers' and 'Ones to Watch' Lists⁴
• 29 James Scott Farrin Attorneys Recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" on 2024 'Best Lawyers' and 'Ones to Watch' Lists⁴
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40⁴
• James Scott Farrin Named to 2020 Edition of "Triangle Business Journal" Best Place to Work
• James Scott Farrin Named to 2022 Edition of "U.S. News - Best Lawyers" 'Best Law Firms' List⁴
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