About Samuel Justin
Samuel Justin Ray took a nontraditional path to the law. He earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems from Appalachian State University in 2003, then returned to school and received a J.D. from the Appalachian School of Law in 2017. The academic background combines public safety and technical training, an unusual pairing that shapes how he approaches legal problems.
Ray’s early professional life mixed business ownership and banking. In 2010 he became president and owner of The Shady Lawn Lodge. Around the same time he worked for Wells Fargo Bank in roles including mortgage loan specialist, outside account executive and credit manager. Those positions gave him practical experience in financial and administrative work before he transitioned fully into law.
He moved into legal practice after finishing law school. Records show he was a lawyer at High Country Law in 2019, and later joined King Law Offices, PLLC as an attorney in 2021. He is licensed to practice in both North Carolina and Tennessee. He also maintains memberships in the North Carolina Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Colleagues describe Ray as methodical. He approaches matters step by step. That likely reflects both his late entry into the profession and his diverse background. Business management and bank-side experience inform how he handles client intake and case logistics. Legal training and courtroom preparation fill out the rest.
Ray’s work history suggests a practical bent. Running a lodge required oversight of operations and staff. Banking roles demanded attention to regulatory detail and client interaction. Law practice has added advocacy and procedural work. The combination gives him a broad view of problems that touch both finance and everyday business operations.
Outside the office, Ray’s career trajectory signals someone who adapts to new responsibilities. He switched careers, managed a business, and moved into regulated financial roles before entering the legal profession. That arc is part of how he frames issues for clients and for opposing counsel.
He currently practices at King Law Offices, PLLC, where his work concentrates on matters arising in North Carolina and Tennessee.
