Preston O. Odom, III

Partner

Preston Odom is a board-certified appellate specialist with more than 25 years of litigation experience, focusing on appellate law, complex civil and family-law litigation, and business disputes. He joined Gardner Skelton as a Partner to expand the firm’s capabilities in high-stakes legal analysis, post-trial advocacy, and appeals. Known for his thoughtful approach, Preston is regularly sought out by trial counsel and clients alike for his ability to dissect complex legal issues, shape persuasive arguments, and develop appellate strategy across a wide range of subject areas.

Preston is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a specialist in Appellate Practice and is one of the most widely recognized appellate practitioners in the state. He previously chaired both the North Carolina State Bar’s Appellate Practice Specialty Committee and the North Carolina Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section, and has been honored by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Business North Carolina Legal Elite for his work in appellate law. His courtroom experience includes matters before the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and trial courts (both state and federal) across North Carolina.

Preston's Practice Areas

Business Litigation
Education
  • Florida State University College of Law, J.D., 1997
  • Florida State University, B.A. History, 1993
  • United States Air Force Academy - 1989 - 1990
Admissions
  • North Carolina (2000)
  • Florida (1997) - Currently Inactive
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Professional Affiliations
  • North Carolina State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization – Appellate Practice Specialty (Past-Chair)
  • North Carolina Bar Association – Appellate Practice Section (Past-Chair), Appellate Rules Committee
  • Mecklenburg County Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar – Appellate Practice Section, Out of State Division
  • American Bar Association – Council of Appellate Lawyers, Judicial Division Appellate Judges Conference
Honors & Awards
Board-Certified Specialist in Appellate Practice, North Carolina State Bar
Super Lawyers – Appellate Practice (2013–2026)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite – Appellate Practice (2018–2025)
Best Lawyers in America – Appellate Practice (2015-2026)
Best LawyersLawyer of the Year (2016, 2019, Appellate Practice, Charlotte)

Approach

Preston believes that great appellate lawyers are equal parts analyst, strategist, and storyteller. Whether handling a case from the outset or stepping in after trial, he’s known for digging deeply into the record, asking the right questions, and helping clients see the bigger picture—what’s at stake, what’s possible, and how best to move forward. He collaborates closely with trial counsel and in-house teams to preserve appellate issues, develop creative solutions, and deliver arguments that are clear, compelling, and grounded in the law.

Making a Difference

Preston has been deeply involved in advancing the practice of appellate law in North Carolina. In addition to his past chairmanship roles, he’s an active member of the Appellate Rules Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association and regularly engages with professional groups working to refine and elevate appellate advocacy across jurisdictions. Though not currently involved in local nonprofits, Preston brings a spirit of mentorship and service to his work with fellow attorneys and the broader legal community.

More about Preston

Outside the office, Preston’s life is grounded in family, the outdoors, and a wide range of hobbies. He’s the proud father of three—Elijah, Grace, and Avery—and dog dad to Winston, who often joins him on outdoor adventures. When he’s not kayaking, playing pickleball, or exercising, Preston is likely listening to music, taking in a good book or podcast, or catching a game.

A longtime Tolkien fan and admirer of Saving Private Ryan, he appreciates stories with depth, craftsmanship, and heart—much like the qualities he brings to his appellate work. Preston recharges by spending time outdoors and is happiest when he’s listening to music, watching or playing sports (Go Noles!), or sharing meaningful conversations with the people he cares about.

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