Smith Pugh & Nelson, PLC

The attorneys of Smith Pugh & Nelson, PLC, are recognized in the legal community and among their clients for their integrity, personal attention, and discreet advice.  Their understanding of the legal and practical issues an executor or trustee is likely to encounter affords them unique insights into the preparation of wills and trusts.

Practicing estate law together for more than 35 years, Daniel D. Smith and W. Franklin Pugh bring invaluable expertise and experience in estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate law, trust and estate litigation, and the formation and preservation of closely held businesses. Jonathan A. Nelson has practiced law in Northern Virginia since 2007 and with Smith Pugh & Nelson, PLC, since 2019. A skilled litigator, strong negotiator, and committed advocate for his clients, he handles estate planning, probate, and trust administration in addition to business, contract, and property matters. Christopher S. Woodruff joined the firm in 2021, and provides professional guidance to clients in the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration.

Since 2004, Dan Smith and Frank Pugh have been affiliated with Gammon & Grange, P.C., which provides legal services to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

The attorneys are ably supported by the firm's staff—Mariana Feldner (office manager), Angela Cevallos and Tricia Archer (estate and trust accountings, paralegal services), and Lori Stertz, Patricia Huewe, and Leia Thomas (administrative and paralegal services). In addition to their professional experience and skills, each of our staff members takes a genuine interest in the firm's clients.

Our friend and colleague, Carol Dunnigan, retired in August, 2022, after over 25 years of exceptional service to our clients and our firm.