Biography
Area of Focus
Payton Taylor is an Associate Attorney with King Law Offices, licensed to practice law in North Carolina and serving clients out of the firm’s Hickory office. As a member of King Law’s criminal defense practice group, she focuses her work on representing individuals facing criminal charges and guiding them through some of the most stressful and high-stakes moments of their lives. Payton represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, and other criminal charges. She understands that being accused of a crime can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Whether a client is navigating their first court appearance or facing more serious allegations, Payton works to ensure they understand the process, their options, and the potential outcomes. She is known for her clear communication, thorough preparation, and calm presence in the courtroom, and is dedicated to ensuring that every client receives fair treatment under the law and a strong, thoughtful defense.
Professional Background
Payton attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her background in psychology gives her valuable insight into human behavior, decision-making, and the personal circumstances that often intersect with the criminal justice system. During her time at Virginia Tech, she served as a student ambassador, participated in Greek life, and gained professional experience as a merchandiser and sales intern for Nabisco.
Payton went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law. While in law school, she served as a student ambassador, representing the law school and mentoring prospective students. She was also deeply involved in the Wake Forest Law Pro Bono Project, an organization focused on expanding access to legal services for underserved communities. Throughout her three years at Wake Forest, Payton held leadership positions on the organization’s Executive Board, beginning as a class representative, then serving as Special Events Coordinator in her second year, and ultimately being elected Secretary in her third year. These experiences strengthened her leadership abilities, sharpened her organizational skills, and reinforced her commitment to advocacy on behalf of individuals facing challenging circumstances.
After graduating, Payton chose to remain in North Carolina and begin her legal career serving communities across the state.
Community and Personal Life
Payton lives in Huntersville with her longtime boyfriend, along with their cat and dog. Outside of work, she enjoys running, reading, and trying new recipes. She is also an avid college football fan and proudly cheers on the Virginia Tech Hokies whenever she can.
Payton is proud to be part of the King Law team and looks forward to continuing to serve clients in the Hickory area and beyond with professionalism, dedication, and unwavering advocacy.