Brian W. Prater
Brian Prater is a trusted advisor to national, regional, and local developers, property owners, and businesses navigating Virginia’s complex land use and zoning landscape.
Brian advises clients throughout the land development regulatory process — from initial due diligence to final approvals — providing strategic guidance that aligns legal requirements with client goals and business objectives. He regularly appears before local governing bodies, boards, and commissions to advocate on behalf of clients in securing rezonings, special use permits, proffer amendments, and other entitlements essential to successful land development. His experience includes obtaining necessary approvals for data centers, industrial uses, commercial and retail uses, residential communities, affordable housing, and religious institutions.
Clients rely on Brian for his deep understanding of state and local laws governing zoning, land use, and real estate development as well as his close collaboration with government officials, agencies, and community stakeholders to advance client objectives.
In addition to his development practice, Brian assists clients in appealing zoning violations, resolving code enforcement issues, and navigating the annexation process to relocate jurisdictional boundaries.
Additionally, Brian advocates on behalf of clients and industry groups in monitoring, drafting, and influencing local legislation and public policy that impacts land use, zoning, and real estate development. Specifically, Brian served as the president (2024) and vice president (2023) for the Prince William County Chapter of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, focusing on the impact of local regulation and public policy on the home building industry.
Prior to joining Williams Mullen, Brian practiced land use and zoning at a respected firm in Northern Virginia. Brian earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law, cum laude, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin & Marshall College.
- Quinnipiac University School of Law (J.D.), 2017
cum laude
- Franklin & Marshall College (B.A.), 2013
Professional Affiliations
- Virginia State Bar Association
- • Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) - Prince William Chapter President (2024), Vice President (2023)
Bar Admissions
- Virginia State Bar
Virginia Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2025)
Northern Virginia Building Industry Association - Doug Fahl Associate of the Year Award (2024)
Local Government Attorneys of Virginia Special Project Award (2018)
Experience
- Represented various property owners and contract purchasers in obtaining rezonings, special use permits, special exceptions and proffer amendments for development, including, but not limited to, affordable housing, data centers, heavy industrial, residential communities, commercial, retail uses, and religious institutions.
- Assisted clients in obtaining proffer interpretations, zoning verifications and determinations.
- Assisted property owners in appealing and resolving zoning violations.
- Conducted research and prepared land use due diligence memos for clients entering into real estate transactions.
- Provided counsel and guidance to residential, industrial, and commercial purchasers concerning the effects of site plan and zoning requirements on a parcel-specific basis.
