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Peter C. Burnett is a graduate of Hobart College and the Antioch School of Law. He has been licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia for over 40 years. Initially Peter served Loudoun County as a general practice lawyer, but in 1988, he decided to limit his practice to personal injury law. In the 25 years since, he has established an impressive track record, building Burnett & Williams into one of the most experienced personal injury firms in the state.

Peter has guided the firm through a number of noteworthy cases including multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for wrongful death, medical malpractice and automobile accident cases. He has earned a reputation as a relentless advocate who is always willing to negotiate carefully and creatively on behalf of his clients if a fair outcome can be achieved. In cases large and small, Peter works closely with clients to uncover every important detail and to convey a full understanding of their claims to the insurance adjustors and attorneys on the other side.

For his dedicated service to his clients and the Virginia legal system, Peter has received numerous accolades and honors. Among them are Lawyer of the Year designated by U.S. News for Plaintiff’s personal injury in 2022 and induction into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame. He has also served in leadership positions in the Virginia State Bar and locally having been President of the Loudoun County Bar Association, a member of the Virginia State Bar Council, Chairman of the VSB Diversity Conference, and Chairman of the VSB Judicial Nominations Committee. He is currently the Chair of the VSB Senior Lawyers Conference.

Peter has been committed to charitable activities in Loudoun County for many years. He was a founding director of the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, a founding director and Chairman of Loudoun Cares, Chairman of the Downtown Improvement Association, founder and Chairman of the Loudoun Law Foundation, and founding Chairman of the Virginia Diversity Foundation, the parent organization of the Ampersand Pantry Project.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 105 Loudoun Street, SE
    Leesburg, VA 20175
Languages
  • English
Education
  • University of the District of Columbia, J.D., graduated 1977
Bar Admissions
  • Virginia, Virginia State Bar
  • District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
Affiliations
  • American Association for Justice - Member
  • District of Columbia Bar - Member
  • Loudoun County Bar Association - Member
  • Virginia State Bar - Member
  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association - Member
  • Virginia Women Attorney's Association - Member
  • Winchester-Frederick Co Bar Association - Member

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Washington, D.C. (2022)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Awards:
  • Community Blue Ribbon Award-Loudoun Preservation Society (2012)
  • Community Leader-Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (2011)
  • Super Lawyer-Virginia (2006-2012)
  • Resolution of Commendation for Public Service, Loudoun Co. Board of Supervisors (2008)
  • Fellow-Virginia Law Foundation (2007)
  • Leaders in the Law-Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2010)
  • Outstanding Volunteer of the Year-County of Loudoun, Virginia (2010)
  • Best Lawyers in America (2013-2022)
  • Legacy Business-Town of Leesburg (2013)
  • Best Law Firms in America-US News and World Report (2013, 2017, 2021)
  • Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame (2019)
  • Town of Leesburg Proclamation of Recognition-Hall of Fame (2019)
  • Town of Leesburg Proclamation of Recognition-Ampersand Project (2020)
  • Virginia State Legislature Resolution-Ampersand Project (2020)

  • Lawyer of the Year-Washington D.C.-Best Lawyers (2022)
  • Top 100 Virginia Trial Lawyers-National Trial Lawyers Association (2010, 2011, 2018, 2019)
  • Top Personal Injury Lawyer-Northern Virginia Magazine (2012, 2018, 2021)
  • Super Lawyer-Washington DC Metro Area (2007-2021)
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Personal Injury Litigation

Publications

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