Nick Presley
Attorney, Jackson Kelly PLLC
Written by Samantha Cart Photos by Tracy A. Toler Photography
Presley inside of C. J. Maggie’ s.
Nick Presley credits discipline, focus and diligence for getting him to where he is today. Born and raised in Princeton, WV, Presley spent much of his time as a kid on the baseball field.
“ I remember my mom dropping me off in the morning to practice and play and picking me up late at night,” he recalls.“ I feel like growing up heavily involved in a sport really shaped me. It produced relationships that still exist today and taught me the importance of sacrifice and how to deal with failures and defeat.”
This time on the diamond along with his first job counting inventory at convenience stores after hours taught him important skills he still uses today as an attorney for Jackson Kelly PLLC.
“ Whether counting candy bars or researching a legal issue, you have to train your mind to be all in, completely focused and undistracted,” Presley says.“ It pays off in the long term and saves so much time. I like getting things right the first time around, and you can’ t do that without focus and discipline.”
Presley considers graduating law school and surviving his first few years at a large law firm his greatest successes to date.
“ I took school and work very seriously from the beginning, and I’ m glad I did,” he says.“ These achievements encompass years of hard work, growth, community involvement, relationship building, dedication and sacrifice. Self-discipline and staying consistent have taken me a long way and are things I developed early in life.”
Presley pours these hard-fought skills daily into his work for Jackson Kelly.
“ Jackson Kelly has helped clients throughout West Virginia and played a large role in shaping the state’ s legal profession and economy,” he says.“ Knowing I’ m a small part of that is very fulfilling.”
Presley’ s practice specifically focuses on utility regulation. He represents water, sewer, electric, natural gas and telecommunications companies in the Mountain State.
“ I like helping my clients navigate all the challenges they face and enjoy knowing I’ m ultimately helping West Virginians receive the public services they need,” he says.
Presley is strongly motivated by a desire to help others and inspired by the perseverance demonstrated by West Virginians.
“ When I see someone struggle and then overcome a challenge, I recognize that I can do the same thing,” he says.“ I just can’ t sit back and watch others accomplish great things. I want to do great things, too.”
For Presley, this inspiration manifests as a responsibility to do whatever he can to improve the lives of other Mountaineers.
“ I cannot turn a blind eye when I have the ability to help solve a problem,” he says.“ I must use my resources and abilities to help. There may be days when I need assistance, and I hope others do not hesitate to offer help. This is what community is all about.”
Presley uses his time and talents as a volunteer for Legal Aid of West Virginia, specifically helping run the Just One Campaign and other fundraising efforts. He also serves on the executive leadership team for the Charleston Heart Walk as part of his service to the American Heart Association, helps organize the West Virginia Symphony’ s annual Symphony Sunday event at the University of Charleston and volunteers with and contributes to United Way of Central West Virginia.
Presley cannot imagine living, working and serving anywhere else.
“ The sense of community in West Virginia cannot be matched, and the people are great,” he says.“ I feel so connected not only to Charleston where I presently live but also with communities across West Virginia. I feel like I would just be a number anywhere else.”
Looking toward the future, Presley continues to set goals that benefit his firm, community and state, inspired by the wise words of businessman Frederick Wilcox:“ You can’ t steal second base with your foot on first.” •
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WVU & Marshall Football Games
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“ Modern Marvels” car:
Jeep
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Beach
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