William B. Cummings (1934-2019) was an American lawyer and federal prosecutor who served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 1970 to 1981, appointed by President Richard Nixon. He oversaw major federal prosecutions in the Washington, D.C. area, including high-profile cases related to the Watergate scandal, notably the trial of the Watergate burglars in Alexandria, Virginia. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1956 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1959. He began his legal career in private practice before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office as an assistant prosecutor in 1963. After his tenure as U.S. Attorney, he returned to private practice, becoming a partner at the law firm of Hazel & Thomas in Alexandria, specializing in civil and criminal litigation until retirement. Cummings was known for his tough stance on corruption, professionalism, and dedication to public service, leaving a legacy as a key figure in American legal history during a tumultuous era.