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 in Loudoun and surrounding counties for over forty years, managing partner W. Franklin Pugh and founding partner Daniel D. Smith 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. Partner 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 litigation, business, contract, and property matters. Partner Christopher S. Woodruff joined the firm in 2021 and brings substantial experience in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Thriving in diverse, cross-cultural engagement, he offers a deeply supportive approach and collaborates closely with clients to secure practical and effective outcomes across various legal challenges. Associate Maxwell J. S. Rubin joined Smith Pugh & Nelson in 2026.

The attorneys are ably supported by the firm's staff: Mariana (office manager), Angie (estate and trust accountings, paralegal services), Lori (drafting and paralegal services), Patti (administrative and paralegal services), and Rita (administrative and reception). 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, retired in August, 2022, after over 25 years of exceptional service to our clients and our firm.

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