Education
- University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D.
- Mississippi State University, B.S. Industrial & Systems Engineering
Bar Admissions
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Illinois
- Missouri
- U.S. District Court for the District of Montana
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
With an engineering background, Vernon sees the world primarily in black and white, but one thing is abundantly clear: his focus is always on the client. Vernon's client-centric focus offers honest, personal solutions catered to each client's specific needs. Vernon works within the boundaries of the client's goals to craft innovative solutions, making him a valuable asset in any defense. Vernon's analytical frame of mind is solution-oriented, allowing him to boil down the facts of each matter into options the client trusts will be effective in achieving their goals. Ultimately, clients can expect to be valued when working with Vernon, as they will be met with genuine candor and a sincere interest in their perspective and overall success.
Professional Recognition
Important Litigation Involvement
- Successfully defeated class action allegations against a Fortune 100 company.
- Jurisdictional attorney responsible for the day-to-day management of asbestos litigation for a Fortune 100 company.
- Obtained directed defense verdict on issues of emotional distress, punitive damages and speculative compensatory damages in legal malpractice action in the Circuit Court for Holmes County, MS.
- Obtained dismissal for Fortune 100 company based on failure to prosecute.
- Obtained jury verdict for plaintiff in personal injury matter.
News & Knowledge
- March 1, 2023
FormanWatkins Secures Summary Judgment for Major Retailer Client
Read More - November 29, 2022
23 FormanWatkins Attorneys Named 2022 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - March 10, 2022
FormanWatkins Releases 2021 Pro Bono & Civic Engagement Report
Read More - March 8, 2022
FormanWatkins Awards 16 Attorneys with Pro Bono Recognition for Service in 2021
Read More - January 21, 2022
FWK Sponsors Lunch and Learn Events at MC and Ole Miss Law Schools
Read More - November 30, 2021
Proudly Announcing Our 2021 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - August 19, 2021
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - June 18, 2021
McFarland Serves as Panelist for DRI Diversity for Success Seminar
Read More - June 8, 2021
Studebaker, Reed, and McFarland Win Motion for Dismissal for Client in Jones County
Read More - May 4, 2021
FormanWatkins Launches Diversity Pipeline Program
Read More - March 8, 2021
FormanWatkins Releases 2020 Pro Bono & Civic Engagement Report
Read More - February 4, 2021
FormanWatkins Awards 17 Attorneys with Pro Bono Recognition for Service in 2020
Read More - November 30, 2020
2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - November 5, 2020
McFarland Writes Article for DRI Voices
Read More - August 20, 2020
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - February 14, 2020
FormanWatkins Attorneys Represent Firm at NBA Corporate Counsel Conference
Read More - November 5, 2019
2019 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Read More - March 12, 2019
Employment Law Update: Spring Has Sprung Proposed Overtime Rule and Confusion Over Wellness Incentives
Read More - January 7, 2019
McFarland Named as New Member of 100 Black Men of Jackson
Read More - December 4, 2018
Update on Perrin’s Diversity & Inclusion Conference
Read More - November 30, 2018
FormanWatkins Announces 2018 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - August 31, 2018
FormanWatkins Promotes Experience of Labor & Employment Practice Group in Recognition of Labor Day
Read More - May 21, 2018
Vernon McFarland Honored with 2017 Pro Bono Service Award
Read More - March 21, 2018
2017 Pro Bono and Civic Engagement Annual Report
Read More - January 2, 2018
Banks, McFarland, McGuffey and Stubbs Promoted to Partner
Read More - November 29, 2017
FormanWatkins Announces 2017 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - August 4, 2017
FormanWatkins Attorneys & Summer Clerks Lead Legal Clinic
Read More - April 14, 2017
FWK Team Hosts Legal Clinic at Local Library in Partnership with Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project
Read More - January 23, 2017
Firm Announces New Pro Bono Committee and Partnerships
Read More - November 8, 2016
FormanWatkins Announces 2016 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - November 9, 2015
FW&K Announces 2015 Mid-South Super Lawyers
Read More - September 1, 2015
Vernon McFarland Selected by The National Black Lawyers Association as Top 40 Under 40
Read More
Professional Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, 2021: Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- Selected to Mid-South Rising Stars (2014-2022)
- FormanWatkins Pro Bono Star, 2020-2021
- Jackson Young Lawyers, Pro Bono Service Award recipient (2018)
- National Black Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 (2015)


Organization/Committee Memberships
- The Mississippi Bar
- Jackson Young Lawyers
- Magnolia Bar Association
- DRI: The Voice of the Defense Bar
- Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
- Leadership Greater Jackson, Class of 2016-2017
- 100 Black Men of Jackson
- National Bar Association
Speaking Engagements
- “Law Student Forum,” DRI Diversity for Success, Panelist, New Orleans, Louisiana (June 2021)
- “Case Closed! Now What? A Closer Look at Post-Verdict and Post-Settlement Medicare Obligations,” Magnolia Bar Annual Conference, Biloxi, Mississippi (May 2015)
Previous Experience
- University of Mississippi Elder Law Clinic