About Dr. Dean
Dr. Dean Farmer took an unusual path into law. He began with a scientific education, earning a B.S. in chemistry from Furman University in 1985 and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Brown University in 1990. Nearly two decades after completing his doctoral studies, he returned to school and received his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 2007. Those credentials frame a career that bridges two very different professions.
After law school, Farmer built a practice that draws on technical training and legal skill. He is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and serves as a partner at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP. At the firm he works on matters where scientific detail matters to legal outcomes. He reviews technical disclosures, evaluates the strength of scientific claims, and helps translate laboratory issues into legal strategies. Colleagues describe his approach as methodical and precise. He relies on his chemistry background when cases require careful analysis of experimental results or complex technical documentation.
Farmer’s academic record suggests strong analytical abilities. Chemistry and organic synthesis demand attention to detail, experimental design, and the ability to interpret data under uncertain conditions. He applied those habits of mind to legal problems after law school. Over time he developed experience in drafting technical agreements, advising on intellectual property considerations, and counseling clients about regulatory and transactional risk where science plays a central role. He is comfortable working with inventors, researchers, and corporate counsel who need an interpreter between the bench and the boardroom.
Outside formal matters, Farmer has been involved in mentoring younger lawyers who come from scientific backgrounds. He understands how to translate lab experience into practical legal work. That background helps when teams must evaluate patent landscapes, negotiate licensing terms, or respond to technical inquiries during litigation or transactions.
He remains based in Massachusetts and continues his partnership at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP. His current practice centers on legal work that intersects with scientific research and technical development.
