Atty. Jay Preston
Jay Preston is a shareholder in the Litigation/Dispute Resolution, Transactional, and Marijuana and Hemp practices groups of Carnahan Evans PC. Mr.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Springfield, MO
Profile Summary
About Jay Preston at a Glance
Jay Preston is a trusts, business, and litigation attorney based in Springfield, Missouri, practicing at Carnahan Evans PC. Educated at University of Missouri School of Law (Columbia) (J.D., 2011). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026). Serves clients in Springfield, MO and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Jay Preston
Jay Preston is a shareholder in the Litigation/Dispute Resolution, Transactional, and Marijuana and Hemp practices groups of Carnahan Evans PC. Mr. Preston represents clients in civil litigation in both federal and state court focusing on business and real estate matters. Mr. Preston also assists clients in avoiding litigation through proper drafting of contracts/agreements, and counseling on how to deal with precarious situations.
Mr. Preston is a member of the Marijuana and Hemp Law Group at Carnahan Evans where, for the second year in a row in 2022, was voted the Best Cannabis Industry Law Firm statewide by the readers of Greenway Magazine, the leading Missouri cannabis trade magazine for industry licensees and ancillary businesses.
He is a native of Springfield, Missouri, an eagle scout, and a graduate of Leadership Springfield and the Missouri Bar Leadership Academy.
SAMPLING OF CASES
Mr. Preston has handled or assisted on a variety of cases and transactions including:
- Obtaining summary judgment in an action to compel arbitration, and successfully defending the appeal to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals;
- Declaratory Judgment actions;
- Fiduciary litigation;
- Commercial arbitrations;
- Obtaining Injunctive Relief on the basis of trade secret and/or non-competition protection;
- Breach of contract actions;
- Drafting and negotiation of commercial and residential leases;
- Commercial and resident landlord/tenant disputes;
- Contesting real and personal property tax assessments;
- Challenging and defending will and/or trust contests based on allegations of undue influence and/or incapacity;
- Quiet Title actions;
- Mechanic’s Liens; and
- Various other disputes involving claims of fraud, negligence, defamation, conversion, and/or trespass.
EDUCATION
University of Missouri, J.D., 2011
University of Missouri, M.B.A., 2011
University of Missouri, B.S.B.A., 2007
PRACTICE AREAS
Business and Civil Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Corporate and Business Law
Trust Litigation
Marijuana & Hemp
Practice Areas Explained
Jay Preston's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jay Preston handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Springfield.
Trusts in Springfield
Jay Preston is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Missouri →
Business & Corporate Law in Springfield
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Jay Preston is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Missouri →
Civil Litigation in Springfield
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Jay Preston is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Missouri →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Springfield
Practicing law in Missouri. Legal matters in Missouri are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Springfield are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Missouri state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Missouri brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Missouri courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Springfield Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Springfield-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Missouri attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Springfield or all attorneys in Missouri.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Springfield Choose Jay Preston
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Jay Preston's practice in the field of trusts, business, and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trusts, business, and litigation, Jay Preston can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Springfield
A Springfield-based practice means Jay Preston attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Jay Preston Handles in Springfield
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Jay Preston has experience with under Missouri law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Jay Preston directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Jay Preston Online
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Jay Preston's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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