Paul R. Dickinson, Jr.

3 Things to Know About Paul Dickinson:

• He represented civilian victims in the Blackwater Massacre case.
• He has a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating.*
• He was honored on the 2026 North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Leaders in Law “Icons” list.*

Paul R. Dickinson, Jr. is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin and a seasoned trial attorney on the firm’s litigation team who is known for taking on challenging, high-stakes cases. With decades of courtroom experience, he brings a focused, client-centered approach to every case, driven by a commitment to helping individuals seek accountability after serious harm.

Early Influences and the Path to Law

Raised in Florida, Paul earned a degree in Finance from the University of South Florida and began his career in sales. His career direction changed after numerous conversations with former Florida Appellate Court Judge E.J. Salcines, who encouraged him to consider law school. Paul heeded the advice and enrolled at South Texas College of Law in Houston where he discovered both his aptitude for litigation and his passion for advocacy.

Building a Trial Practice

Paul began his legal career representing businesses and insurance companies in personal injury defense matters. From the outset, he sought opportunities that would place him in the courtroom, focusing on litigation rather than transactional work.

“I intentionally chose to apply to law firms that focused on litigation because I had zero desire to do any other kind of law. Litigation is what drew me into the legal industry.”

While practicing in Houston, he gained experience handling complex cases involving trucking accidents, product liability, and wrongful death, often working alongside senior attorneys. Early in his career, he served as lead counsel in a trial – an experience that helped shape his confidence and approach to litigation.

After relocating to Charlotte in 1993, Paul shifted his focus to representing individuals in personal injury matters. Over time, he has secured numerous substantial jury verdicts and negotiated significant settlements in both state and federal courts.**

Notable Litigation: The Blackwater Case

Among the many cases Paul has handled, one of the most prominent involved representing victims and families affected by the 2007 Nisour Square shootings in Baghdad, Iraq, involving Blackwater contractors.

In this complex international matter, Paul led civil claims on behalf of injured survivors and families of those who were killed. The case required extensive coordination across borders, including late-night communications with clients overseas and navigating logistical challenges such as obtaining and translating critical records.

The litigation drew widespread media attention, with coverage and interviews appearing in national and international outlets. For Paul, the case underscored the importance of persistence and advocacy in pursuing accountability under difficult circumstances.

Approach to Client Representation

Paul views thorough preparation and strong client relationships as central to effective advocacy. He emphasizes clear communication and mutual trust, particularly in cases involving life-altering injuries.

“I think that great representation starts with a solid personal relationship and a two-way trust between the attorney and the client, especially in a personal injury case where there have been these sudden, traumatic, life-changing events in people’s lives. What drives me every day is the knowledge that these people are counting on me.”

Paul approaches each case with the understanding that clients are often facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and he strives to provide steady, dependable guidance throughout the legal process.

Professional Recognition and Memberships

Paul has been recognized by several respected legal organizations, including listings in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation – Plaintiffs (2026) and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2024–2026).* In 2026, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly honored Paul on its Leaders in Law – “Icons” list, in addition to holding an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.*

Paul is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and the American Association for Justice. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife. With their children grown, they enjoy traveling and spending time at Lake James, often accompanied by their dogs.

*“Best Lawyers” standards of inclusion: bestlawyers.com. “Super Lawyers” standards of inclusion: superlawyers.com. AV Preeminent standards of inclusion: martindale.com. “Icons” standards of inclusion: nclawyersweekly.com.

**Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately.