Atty. Douglas B. Farquhar

Atty. Douglas B. Farquhar

Douglas B. Farquhar has more than 30 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense and regulatory attorney.

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Profile Summary

About Douglas B. Farquhar at a glance

Douglas B. Farquhar is an attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC. Admitted to practice in United States, District of Columbia and United States, Maryland. Educated at Yale University (JD, 1985) and Boston University (BA). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — FDA Law (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Douglas B. Farquhar has more than 30 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense and regulatory attorney
  • Since joining the firm in 1997, he has advised pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers and wholesalers, compounding pharmacies, and individuals on a wide range of enforcement activities, including consent decrees, criminal investigations, debarment issues, arbitration proceedings, civil seizures, FDA inspection issues, and injunctions
  • Mr. Farquhar has a broad-based understanding of the investigatory process, having negotiated settlements and resolutions for both industry and government
  • In the last three years, Mr. Farquhar has served as lead trial and appellate counsel for generic drug companies in three different cases related to generic drug exclusivity
  • In each case, he has won judgments securing his client’s approvals of Abbreviated New Drug Applications
  • In one of the cases, he secured a judgment from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversing FDA’s decision to deny his clients ANDA approval, a decision that had been upheld by the lower court
  • Mr. Farquhar also advises companies and individuals on adverse findings after FDA and other regulatory agency inspections
  • He has been active in defending companies during government investigations into drug pricing and drug and medical device fraud and abuse claims
  • In addition, Mr. Farquhar has represented employees and companies in investigations relating to anti-kickback laws
  • He has argued cases and conducted trials in federal court defending companies and individuals against both civil and criminal FDA enforcement efforts, and has sued FDA in cases related to generic drug approvals and adverse FDA publicity about his clients
  • Mr. Farquhar’s legal career includes seven years of service as a federal prosecutor
  • He was an assistant U.S
  • Attorney in the District of Maryland from 1990 to 1997, and clerked for the Honorable Judge Joseph H. Young, U.S
  • District Court in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Mr. Farquhar also reported for local newspapers before enrolling in law school
  • Mr. Farquhar shares his perspective on enforcement and litigation issues through frequent speaking engagements and publications
  • He contributes to the firm’s FDA Law Blog, and has served repeatedly as co-chair of the annual Enforcement Conference for FDLI
  • In addition, he wrote two chapters for the FDLI publication, How to Work with FDA, focusing on seizures, injunctions, consent decrees, and stolen drug samples

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Douglas B. Farquhar

Where is Douglas B. Farquhar's law office located?
Douglas B. Farquhar's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
Where did Douglas B. Farquhar go to law school?
Douglas B. Farquhar earned their education at (JD, 1985); (BA).
How can I contact Douglas B. Farquhar for a consultation?
You can contact Douglas B. Farquhar directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Douglas B. Farquhar received?
Douglas B. Farquhar's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — FDA Law.

Practice Areas

Education

JD
Yale University
- 1985
BA
Boston University
- In Progress

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — FDA Law
- 2026

Bar Admissions

United States, District of Columbia
United States, Maryland

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