A Rock Hill native, Preston Pope began his legal journey with Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys as a runner in 2015. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the South Carolina Air National Guard as an F-16 crew chief with the 169th Fighter Wing, overseeing and performing aircraft maintenance. While serving weekends performing maintenance on F-16 fighter jets, Preston attended the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business and worked part-time as a page for the Ethics Committee of the South Carolina House of Representatives. He graduated cum laude in 2021 with a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing) and began law school that August at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Throughout law school, Preston remained enlisted through his second year and gained hands-on experience at a Columbia law firm, assisting experienced attorneys on complex civil litigation, criminal, and family law matters. During the semesters, he served as a law clerk to the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee, supporting legislation-drafting attorneys; assisted the Judicial Merit Selection Commission’s screening process; and prepared bill summaries for members of the House.
After graduating, Preston clerked for the Honorable William A. McKinnon, Circuit Court Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit (York County), an experience that provided invaluable insight into courtroom practice and the inner workings of the judicial system. Preston is deeply appreciative of the mentorship and guidance he received from Judge McKinnon, which played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of his legal career. In addition to practicing law, Preston serves as Secretary of the York County Bar Association’s Executive Board.
Preston is grateful to share life with his wife, Bailey, whom he first met in middle school in Rock Hill. The two reconnected later and married just before Preston graduated college. Bailey is a high school history teacher at York Preparatory Academy in Rock Hill, where she has built her own reputation for commitment and care in the classroom. Together, they share a love for their community and enjoy investing their time and talents into making their community a better place.
Preston’s passion for law was shaped early by his father, Tommy Pope, who has practiced with Elrod Pope since 2008. Watching his father dedicate his career to helping others instilled in Preston a strong sense of purpose and a desire to follow in those footsteps. Tommy’s example of integrity, advocacy, and service continues to inspire Preston in his own practice today.
