Prior to joining the bench, McFarland was a Scioto County assistant prosecutor and acted as special counsel for the Ohio Attorney General. He was also a Licking County assistant county prosecutor. He previously served as the magistrate in Scioto County Common Pleas Court Probate/Juvenile Division and as chairman of the Ohio Association of Magistrates, Juvenile Section.[1] He is an adjunct professor for Shawnee State University and formerly taught constitutional law at Capital University.[1]
On January 23, 2019, President Trump announced his intent to renominate McFarland for a federal judgeship.[4] His nomination was sent to the Senate later that day.[5] On June 26, 2019, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.[6] On July 18, 2019, his nomination was reported out of committee by a 12–10 vote.[7] On December 18, 2019, the Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 55–38 vote.[8] His nomination was confirmed later that day by a 56–38 vote.[9] He received his judicial commission on December 31, 2019.[10]