Hon. R. Brian Ball

Brian Ball is a member of the firm’s Corporate Section and advises clients seeking to locate or establish operations in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. Brian provides guidance on foreign direct investment transactions, establishing joint ventures and accessing federal, state and local business location incentives. He serves as an advisor to the firm’s Economic Development Team.

As Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade under Gov. Ralph Northam, Brian gained valuable insight in leveraging governmental resources and attracting business investments to Virginia, working closely with private-sector companies, regional entities and local, state and federal government officials. During his tenure, Virginia was twice recognized as the #1 “Top State for Business” by CNBC. As Virginia’s chief economic development officer, Brian oversaw the state’s 10 commerce and trade agencies, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority, Virginia Housing, the Department of Housing and Community Development and Virginia Tourism. He worked with the state’s executive branch, the General Assembly, private companies, economic development officials, site consultants and other key stakeholders.

Before his time as secretary, Brian was with the firm for almost 30 years. He was a partner in the firm’s Corporate Section and served on the firm’s board of directors and as its general counsel.

Brian graduated with high distinction from the University of Virginia, where he was an Echols Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia and California. Brian served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California from 1981 to 1982. He is a member of the Richmond, Virginia and American Bar Associations and the Virginia State Bar.