Reed Smith appoints new Richmond office managing partner

Global law firm Reed Smith’s S. Brian Farmer is the new office managing partner in Richmond, the firm announced Thursday.

Farmer succeeds Edward Mullen, who is part of the firm’s Richmond-based government relations team that spun off from Reed Smith to create Seven Hills Strategy Group, according to a January news release.

Farmer, who previously worked for Hirschler Fleischer, joined Reed Smith in 2023. He is one of six attorneys in the Richmond office.

Farmer is a member of the firm’s Global Corporate Group and leads its institutional investor practice. He focuses on the investment management industry, serving institutional investors and investment managers.

“I am excited to lead the talented group of attorneys and staff in our Richmond office,” Farmer said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of service to our clients in the region.”

Farmer received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from U.Va.’s School of Law. He serves on the board of directors for the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls Foundation.

Farmer previously served on the City of Richmond Retirement System’s board of trustees and investment advisory committee. He is a former board president of Greater Richmond Stop Child Abuse Now.

Founded in Pittsburgh in 1877, Reed Smith has more than 1,600 lawyers across more than 30 offices in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  As of Jan. 1, 2024, Reed Smith had 33 attorneys in Virginia, and the Tysons office was its largest in Virginia.