John Foster
General Counsel
Fairfax County, Virginia
About John Foster
John Foster is an attorney based in Fairfax County, Virginia. He serves as General Counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools and has spent most of his career working in public-sector law.
Foster was born at Camp Pendleton and grew up as a military child. He lived on military bases in California, Hawaii, and Virginia. His father was a career Marine officer who retired as a Colonel. His mother immigrated from England, became a United States citizen, and worked as a paralegal for Virginia law firms for four decades. These early influences shaped his long-term focus on discipline, structure, and public service.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 1989. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1992.
Foster began his legal career in private practice. From 1992 to 1999, he worked as a Senior Attorney with Buonassissi Henning Campbell and Moffet. In 1999, he joined Fairfax County Government as an Assistant County Attorney, where he served until 2008. From 2008 to 2013, he was City Attorney for the City of Falls Church.
Since 2013, Foster has served as General Counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools. His work focuses on legal oversight, risk management, and institutional governance. He is AV rated (preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell and serves on the Virginia State Bar Council for the 19th Judicial Circuit through 2028.
Outside of work, he enjoys long-distance bicycle riding and exploring rural and remote areas on gravel and mountain bikes.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Buonassissi Henning Campbell and Moffet
Education
Media
Press
Awards & Recognition
AV rated (preeminent), Martindale-Hubbell
Licenses & Certifications
Attorney at Law, Virginia State Bar
Charities & Volunteering
Christ Lutheran Church, Past President
Boards & Memberships
Virginia State Bar Council, 19th Judicial Circuit, Member
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John Foster do?
John Foster is General Counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools, where his work focuses on legal oversight, risk management, and institutional governance. He has spent most of his career in public-sector law.
What is John Foster known for?
Foster is known for his steady, long-term work in public-sector law, having served as Assistant County Attorney for Fairfax County, City Attorney for Falls Church, and now General Counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools. He is AV rated (preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell.
Where is John Foster based?
John Foster is based in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Where did John Foster study?
John Foster earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 1989, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1992.
Who does John Foster work for?
John Foster works for Fairfax County, serving as General Counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools.
Last updated July 23, 2026