John Foster is a respected attorney and public sector legal expert with more than thirty years of experience in government and education law.
He grew up on military bases in the United States, where a childhood of discipline, duty and resilience set the tone for his career. His father was a decorated Marine Corps officer, and his mother was an English immigrant who survived wartime evacuation before building a long career as a paralegal.
John studied history and foreign policy at the University of Virginia before graduating from law school in 1992. He began his career as a senior attorney in private practice, where he developed strong litigation and client advocacy skills. In 1999, he entered public service as an assistant district attorney for Fairfax County. He later became prosecutor for the City of Falls Church, leading key decisions and providing stable leadership on complex issues.
Since 2013, John has served as General Counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools, one of the largest school systems in the country. In this role, he manages legal strategy, advises leadership, and supports decisions affecting thousands of families. He holds an AV (Excellent) rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the Virginia State Bar Council.
Beyond his legal work, John is a dedicated long-distance cyclist who enjoys exploring rural and remote areas on gravel and mountain bikes. He continues to be active in community leadership, including as president of Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfax. His career reflects a consistent commitment to service, integrity and clear decision-making.
Q&A with John Foster
They grew up on military bases. How has this shaped your approach to work and leadership?
Growing up on basics meant there was constant change. We moved a lot – California, Hawaii, Virginia. Discipline was everywhere. I watched my father lead the Marines and my mother build a new life after the war. This taught me to stay calm under pressure and focus on the bigger picture.
Her mother survived wartime evacuation in England. Has your experience influenced your attitude?
Very much. As a child she was forced out of London during the bombings. She lost close family members. Nevertheless, she came to the United States, became a citizen, and worked as a paralegal for forty years. Her resilience has shaped my approach to setbacks. She showed me that you keep going, even if the path isn’t easy.
What motivated you to study history and foreign policy at university?
I have always been fascinated by the way institutions and governments interact with people. History teaches you about consequences. “Foreign Affairs” shows how decisions affect the outside world. It was a solid foundation for studying law.
What did you learn in your first few years of private practice?
In my private practice I have learned to prepare thoroughly. As a senior lawyer, I have learned to manage complex matters and support clients in stressful moments. It was good training for the responsibilities that come with working in the public sector.
You have spent nearly a decade in Fairfax County government. What characterizes this time?
In local government, real decisions affect real communities. You see how policies directly impact people. It gave me a strong sense of responsibility and taught me to balance legal requirements with practical reality.
Your time as Falls Church prosecutor brought you an important leadership role. What was that transition like?
It was a shift from advising on issues to leading comprehensive legal strategies and resolving the long-running “water wars” with Fairfax County. Not only are you responsible for providing answers, but also for providing clarity. I have learned to communicate more directly and anticipate challenges before they surface.
You now serve as general counsel for Fairfax County Public Schools. What makes this role unique?
It is one of the most complex environments in public law. Schools involve policies, procedures, public expectations, and thousands of students and staff. You must remain steadfast, especially when problems become clearly visible. The work is important because the results impact the entire community.
They hold the Martindale-Hubbell AV rating and are a member of the Virginia State Bar Council. What do these roles mean to you?
They are an expression of professional trust. The evaluation comes from colleagues and jurors and therefore means a lot. By being a member of the Bar Council, I can make a contribution to the future of the profession, which I take very seriously.
Outside of work, you are a long-distance cyclist. What does cycling give you that the legal world doesn’t?
Cycling takes you away from everything for a while. When you’re deep in rural Virginia or on a remote dirt road, you don’t think about emails or policies. It brings your spirit back. You have room to breathe and can return to work strengthened.
What advice would you give to someone pursuing a law degree in the public sector today?
Learn to listen. Understand the importance of your decisions. And remember, public service is just that: service. You won’t always be in the spotlight, but your work will make a difference.
