S. Brian Farmer

"Brian is a star. He has a great sense for industry trends, is a good communicator and bridges both sides to create a well-rounded and understandable legal agreement for clients."
Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A client

“Brian brings his strategic thinking to the entire transaction process. His legal expertise and business acumen are the best I have ever worked with.”
Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A client

“Brian is excellent to work with. He is knowledgeable, practical and personable. We especially like how Brian checks in on us and follows up with matters that he is aware we are considering.”
Chambers USA, Investment Funds: Investor Representation client

“Brian is a star. He has a great sense for industry trends, is a good communicator and bridges both sides to create a well-rounded and understandable legal agreement for clients.”
Chambers USA, Investment Funds: Investor Representation client

“Brian is an extremely smart and very personable lawyer. He keeps us aware of any new trends or laws we should be focusing on and is instrumental in helping us stay compliant.”
Chambers USA, Investment Funds: Investor Representation client

Brian is a partner in the Global Corporate Group and serves as managing partner of Reed Smith’s Richmond office.

His practice focuses on the investment management industry, serving both institutional investors and investment managers. Brian advises universities, hospitals, state and corporate pension plans, fund of funds and family offices regarding their investments in private funds and other alternative investments. His manager-side representation includes hedge and real estate fund managers, outsourced chief investment officers and high-net worth wealth managers.

Recognitions

Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® (Corporate Law; Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Venture Capital Law), 2007–2027; “Lawyer of the Year” for Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law in Richmond, 2026
Ranked in Chambers Global for USA Investment Funds: Investor Representation, 2026
Ranked in Chambers USA for Virginia Southern Corporate/M&A (Band 1), 2022-2026