From Double Rattler to the Bench: Judge Keith A. Farmer’s Journey of Service
The path to the bench for Judge Keith A. Farmer has been anything but ordinary. When he was appointed in July 2025 to serve as judge of the Recorder’s Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia, the moment marked the culmination of years of service, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to justice. For Farmer, it was also a moment of pride, one that tied back to his roots as a proud double Rattler.
A graduate of both Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and the FAMU
College of Law, Farmer has spent his career embodying the values instilled on the
“Highest of Seven Hills.” His professional journey has spanned criminal defense, civil
litigation, family law, and victim advocacy, all while staying grounded in his dedication
to the people of Gwinnett County, Georgia.
“Judge Farmer’s journey is an inspiration to our students and alumni alike,” said Cecil Howard, associate provost and interim dean of the FAMU College of Law. “As a double rattler, he represents the very best of what FAMU stands for: excellence,
leadership, and service. His appointment to the bench is not just a personal achievement,
but a proud moment for the entire rattler community.”
Farmer’s impact began in private practice. As founder of K. Farmer Law, LLC (formerly Bridges-Farmer, LLC), he guided clients through complex cases in family law, civil disputes, personal injury, and criminal defense. In 2018, he extended his service further, joining the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit Indigent Defense appointment list and the Gwinnett County Veterans Accountability Court, where he spent years focusing exclusively on criminal matters for county residents. His work as a certified mediator only deepened his reputation as someone committed to fairness, resolution, and equity in the legal system.
Service, however, has never been limited to the civilian courtroom. Since 2006, Farmer has worn the uniform of the U.S. Army National Guard, where he currently serves as a major and JAG officer in the Georgia National Guard. For the past three years, he has acted as a special victims’ counsel for the National Guard Bureau, providing independent legal representation to military victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. His military career has also included serving as deputy staff judge advocate for Joint Task Force North, where he advised a two-star general commander on military justice, operational law, and collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Through it all, Farmer has remained deeply connected to family and community. He lives in Gwinnett County with his wife and two children, balancing professional responsibilities with the values of service and integrity that have defined his career.
For FAMU College of Law, this moment adds to a growing legacy. With Farmer’s appointment, the law school now counts 28 alumni serving as judges, leaders who carry their Rattler pride into courtrooms across the country.
Farmer’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and devotion, from his early days as a rattler, to years in military and civilian service, to the moment he took his oath as judge. It is a story that affirms the enduring impact of a FAMU education and the remarkable ways rattlers continue to shape the pursuit of justice.
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
