Jay Preston

Jay Preston is a seasoned attorney who concentrates on civil litigation in both federal and state courts, with a primary focus on business and real estate disputes. His practice includes guiding clients through high-stakes conflicts while also helping them avoid litigation through careful contract drafting and practical legal counseling.

Jay earned a B.S.B.A. in 2007. He then obtained an M.B.A. in 2011. That same year, he earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri, strengthening his analytical and business-focused legal skills.

Jay represents clients across a wide range of contested matters, including breach of contract claims, fiduciary disputes, declaratory judgment actions, and complex commercial arbitrations. His litigation work often involves real estate conflicts, tax assessment challenges, quiet title actions, mechanic’s liens, and disputes involving allegations of fraud, negligence, defamation, conversion, or trespass.

Jay has also handled matters involving injunctive relief tied to trade secret protection and non-competition issues. In addition to courtroom advocacy, he regularly drafts and negotiates commercial and residential leases and assists with landlord and tenant disputes, offering practical strategies that align legal goals with business realities.

Jay maintains a focused practice in trust and estate litigation, including will and trust contests involving claims of undue influence or incapacity. He also has experience assisting with appellate matters, including successfully defending summary judgment rulings before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jay Preston has received professional recognition for his legal work, including selection to The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Trusts and Estates in 2026 and 2025, and for Commercial Litigation in 2024. He was also named a Missouri Lawyers Media – Up & Coming Awards – Law Firm Leader Honoree in 2023.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Carnahan Evans PC
• Member, The Missouri Bar

Licensed State

• Missouri

Education

• University of Missouri
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Missouri
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• University of Missouri
  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Awards & Badges