Bill Farmer comes to JAMS as a seasoned litigator with a deep understanding of litigation and negotiation. Now as a neutral with significant experience from litigating over 70 jury trials in a wide range of cases, Mr. Farmer will be a valued resource for resolving conflicts efficiently and equitably. A fundamental aspect of his mediation approach is allowing parties to feel heard and have a clear understanding of the risks and costs associated with pursuing litigation while remaining open to exploring practical solutions.

Mr. Farmer gained substantial trial and appellate experience in general civil and criminal litigation, toxic tort and environmental cases as a founding member of Farmer Purcell White & Lassiter and as a member of the litigation practice group at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis. His extensive government service includes roles as an assistant U.S. attorney, the first federal public defender for the Middle District of Tennessee and advocate general for the state of Tennessee before transitioning into private practice.

Committed to the integrity of the legal profession, Mr. Farmer served on the Tennessee Judicial Selection Commission from 1994 to 2009. He is also an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University School of Law, where he teaches trial advocacy.

Mr. Farmer’s extensive experience in the Tennessee courts and his dedication to both the practice of law and teaching demonstrate his commitment to excellence in the legal profession.

Representative Experience:

• Recovered over $2M for the state of Tennessee in architectural negligence case involving major public building misalignment
• Represented property owner in trademark infringement case over historic Nashville venue
• Counsel for hundreds of personal injury cases on behalf of plaintiffs and several on behalf of defendants
• Represented the state of Tennessee in the settlement of an $80 million reinsurance claim
• Represented the state of Tennessee in a First Amendment lawsuit regarding the state’s educational curriculum
• Represented a public official in a federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) case in an 11-week trial alleging bribery and abuse of power
• Represented the state of Tennessee before a three-judge federal panel regarding the gerrymandering of legislative districts
• Numerous representations of major utility companies in land condemnation litigation

Memberships and Affiliations

• Chair, Metro Nashville Civil Service Commission, 1999–2025
• Board of Directors, Nashville Bar Association, 1984–1988, 2000–2004
• Master, Harry Phillips American Inn of Court, 1990–2025
• Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation, 1985–2025
• Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation, 1980–2025

• Adjunct Professor, Vanderbilt University School of Law, 1985–2025
• Founding Partner, Farmer Berry Purcell (later Farmer Purcell White & Lassiter), 1987–2024
  • Of Counsel, 2018–2024
• Founding Partner, Farmer & Luna, 2000–2010
• Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, 1990–2000
• Solicitor General, State of Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, 1985–1987
• Federal Public Defender, Middle District of Tennessee, 1978–1985
• National Trial Advocacy Training, Harvard University, 1985
• Assistant United States Attorney, 1974–1978
• J.D., University of Tennessee College of Law, 1974
• B.A., Austin Peay University, 1971