D. Scott Foster, Jr.

Scott Foster practices in Gentry Locke’s Richmond office, helping businesses with their land use, real estate and corporate law needs. Scott is a member of our Legislative Affairs and Solar and Renewable Energy teams, and handles solar and battery storage land use matters across the Commonwealth. Scott earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from William and Mary. In 2010, he became the first college student to be elected to the Williamsburg City Council, where he served as Vice-Mayor from 2016-2018. He was instrumental in the adoption of the 2013 City of Williamsburg Comprehensive Plan, advocating for additional residential density in Williamsburg’s downtown, which led to major reinvestment and development of that area. Scott currently serves on the William and Mary Real Estate Foundation Board of Directors and remains an active member of the community, always seeking to improve the local and state economies.

A quick handshake

•You were the Vice-Mayor of Williamsburg. Did that change how you interact with people?

It did. Serving on Williamsburg City Council taught me to be a better advocate, build consensus and communicate with folks who don’t necessarily agree with me.

•What do you like most about your job?

I’m passionate about local and state government economic development and land use issues; they’re at the heart of the economy and quality of life for any locality and its surrounding region. It is rewarding to help entrepreneurs, local and state governments and other stakeholders work together to bring about positive change.

•Do you like to travel?

I know Virginia very well. As a kid it seemed like the route we took to get somewhere was always different than the one we’d take home. I still do that today. As a result, I’ve covered most of the Commonwealth at least once. I usually pick routes that pass a hometown barbecue, fried chicken, or seafood restaurant.

Experience

•Focuses on land use, zoning, real estate and corporate strategies
•Represents clients in commercial property acquisition, local and state government permitting and land use regulation and successful build out as well as operation of various small businesses
•Represents various small business startups and assists in expansion of existing businesses
•Successfully advocated for the rezoning of a large commercial parcel to residential use resulting in ninety-seven townhome units
•Successfully rezoned older motel property into high-quality, affordable apartment complex

Awards

•Named to Best Lawyers in America for Energy Law, and Real Estate Law (2026)
•Named to Coastal Virginia Magazine’s 2025 Top Lawyers list for Land Use/Environmental Law.
•Noted on “Ones to Watch” list by Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law and Land Use and Zoning Law (2021-2024)
•Named a “Leaders in the Law and Up & Coming” honoree by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2021)

Library

•Gentry Locke Partners D. Scott Foster, Jr., Paul D. Hawkins, and Michael V. Moro, II Named to Coastal Virginia Magazine’s 2026 Top Lawyers List
News
Jan 2026
•31 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2026 Lists
News
Aug 2025
•Gentry Locke Partners Michael V. Moro, II and D. Scott Foster, Jr. Named to Coastal Virginia Magazine's 2025 Top Lawyers List
News
Jan 2025
•30 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2024 Lists
News
Aug 2023
•Gentry Locke Names Four New Partners
News
Jan 2023
•2022 Gentry Locke Seminar
Events
Apr 2022
•Environmental Justice in Virginia: Where are We Now?
Articles
Mar 2022
•Gentry Locke’s Todd A. Leeson and D. Scott Foster Jr. Honored by Virginia Lawyers Media
News
Sep 2021
•Gentry Locke Marks One Year in Richmond with Continued Expansion
News
Nov 2019