Since joining the Durham-based firm in 2017 and ascending to partner in 2024, Lesley has focused on high-stakes litigation, including mass torts, consumer protection, and class actions. His courtroom experience spans appellate levels, with arguments presented before both the North Carolina Supreme Court and the state Court of Appeals. Coleman Cowan, head of the firm's litigation department, credited the milestone to Lesley's persistent advocacy and meticulous preparation in representing injured clients.

This appointment follows a series of industry acknowledgments for Lesley, including his inclusion on the "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch" list for 2024–2026 and consecutive recognition as a "Top 40 Under 40" trial lawyer from 2021 to 2025. The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, which operates 15 locations across North and South Carolina, has managed cases for over 78,000 clients since its founding in 1997.