Matthew McFarlane

Matthew McFarlane

Partner
Baltimore, MD

ABOUT

Matthew McFarlane is a scientist-turned-attorney whose work sits at the crossroads of molecular research and intellectual property law. He earned an ScB in Biochemistry from Brown University and a PhD in Molecular & Cellular Physiology from Stanford University School of Medicine, publishing in top journals and developing an analytical rigor that he now applies to complex legal challenges. 

After completing his JD at Fordham University School of Law, Matt built his litigation and dispute-resolution practice at leading AmLaw 100 firms, handling patent litigation, licensing negotiations, and strategic intellectual property counseling for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical industry clients. His deep technical background and interdisciplinary background infuse an appreciation for fact, detail and nuance into strategic legal advice that helps businesses and non-profit organizations and individuals manage risk, enforce rights, and navigate challenging intellectual property landscapes. 

Beyond his legal work, Matt has served on several boards of charitable organizations dedicated to science, the environment, the arts, and resilient communities. As President and Trustee of The Grass Foundation, he champions neuroscience research and and helps support the science talent pipeline. He works as part of group of international professionals dedicated to maximizing the ability of student-athletes to maximize benefits from their name, image, and likeness rights. He also co-founded GROUT, a consulting firm focused on strategic communication and collaborative project development and management. 

When not working, you’ll find Matthew thinking about boat repairs, doing boat repairs, or repairing boat repairs. IYKYK. 

ADMISSIONS

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New York

LANGUAGE

  • English

EDUCATION

Fordham University School of Law
J.D. (2005)
Stanford University School of Medicine
Ph.D., Molecular & Cellular Physiology (1997)
Brown University
Sc.B., Biochemistry, with honors (1991)

AWARDS

  • Life Sciences Star, LMG Life Sciences (2014-2016) 
  • New York Metro Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2014-2016) 
  • Pro Bono Service Award, The Legal Aid Society (2009, 2010, 2014, 2015) 
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow (2012) 

FUN FACTS

FAVORITE QUOTE

Favorite Quote

“When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.”

Mark Twain
  • Favorite Book
    Favorite Book

    A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn 

  • Favorite Song
    Favorite Song

    Hold On, Tom Waits

  • Favorite Movie
    Favorite Movie

    The Big Lebowski

  • Favorite Vacation
    Favorite Vacation

    Block Island 

  • Favorite Meal
    Favorite Meal

    A Classic BLT 

  • Favorite Artist
    Favorite Artist

    Romare Bearden

ALTERNATE CAREER PATH

Alternate Carrer Path

If I didn’t work for a law firm, I’d be a diplomat.

ADMISSIONS

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New York

LANGUAGE

  • English

EDUCATION

Fordham University School of Law
J.D. (2005)
Stanford University School of Medicine
Ph.D., Molecular & Cellular Physiology (1997)
Brown University
Sc.B., Biochemistry, with honors (1991)

AWARDS

  • Life Sciences Star, LMG Life Sciences (2014-2016) 
  • New York Metro Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2014-2016) 
  • Pro Bono Service Award, The Legal Aid Society (2009, 2010, 2014, 2015) 
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow (2012) 

CONNECT WITH ME

At Practus, we handle complex and challenging legal matters. I look forward to talking to you about how we can best meet your goals.

CONTACT ME
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