Justice, Integrity, and the Future: Nate Preston on Structured Settlements in Personal Injury Law

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In a compelling episode of The Attorney Post, Nathaniel (Nate) Preston, managing partner at Warnock MacKinlay Law in Arizona, shares his journey of building one of the state’s most respected personal injury law firms. With over $500 million recovered and a success rate above 99%, Preston has distinguished his practice by blending meticulous legal skill with genuine compassion for clients.

A graduate of Brigham Young University and Arizona State University, Preston didn’t start out intending to practice law. After exploring real estate development, he realized he wanted to make a deeper impact. That realization led him to personal injury law, where he found meaning in helping victims rebuild their lives.

Unlike many firms that handle hundreds of cases at once, Preston’s team takes a limited caseload—no more than 150 to 200 per attorney—to provide personalized attention. “Clients deserve more than just a file number,” he emphasized. His firm’s reputation as a litigation-ready practice has earned respect from insurance companies and resulted in multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

Preston’s philosophy extends beyond courtroom victories. He places strong emphasis on firm culture and integrity, choosing to remove toxic influences even if it means sacrificing short-term gains. “People over profit—that’s how we grow sustainably,” he said.

He also discussed the challenges surrounding large settlements, noting that injured clients often face financial pressure from relatives or advisors. To protect them, he recommends structured settlements, which preserve funds and reduce tax burdens.

On the topic of technology, Preston views AI as a valuable tool that complements human judgment rather than replaces it. While acknowledging potential pitfalls, he remains optimistic about AI’s role in improving marketing, document management, and investigations.

Still, Preston remains rooted in the human side of law. Whether through Zoom calls or in-person meetings, he ensures every client feels heard. His guiding principle, inspired by his mother, remains simple yet profound: “Live in the present.”

In closing, Preston called for reform of Arizona’s 180-day notice of claim rule, arguing that victims need more time to pursue justice. His voice reflects the rare combination of compassion, intelligence, and courage that defines true leadership in law.