Fairfax County Attorney

The Fairfax County Attorney is the senior legal adviser to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and oversees the Fairfax County Attorney's Office. In addition to advising the Board of Supervisors as to the legality of its actions, the County Attorney's office drafts ordinances and represents the county in litigation.

The current Fairfax County Attorney is David P. Bobzien.

History
The position was created in 1967 when Fairfax County adopted the urban county form of government. Previously, the Commonwealth's Attorney acted to advise the Board of Supervisors.

Former assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Dexter S. Odin took office as the first County Attorney on February 1, 1967. Deciding to enter private practice, Odin announced his resignation, effective January 1, 1969, on October 2, 1968.

Donald C. Stevens was appointed to the position in December 1968. On February 14, 1972, Stevens announced his resignation, effective March 31, to become a partner at the law firm of Hazel, Beckhorn and Hanes.

M. Langhorne Keith next served briefly as County Attorney until he resigned on April 13, 1973 to join the law firm of Hogan and Hartson.

Following the departure of David T. Stitt in November 1991, Robert L. Howell served as acting county attorney. Eight months after Stitt's departure, the Board of Supervisors created a search commission, comprised of supervisors Thomas M. Davis, III, Elaine N. McConnell, Katherine K. Hanley, Gerald W. Hyland and Christine R. Trapnell.