General Info:
Practicing estate law together for more than 40 years, Daniel D. Smith, W. Franklin Pugh, Jonathan A. Nelson, and John H. Cook, IV bring you 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. They 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. Attorney Jonathan A. Nelson joined the firm in January, 2019. He has practiced law in Northern Virginia since 2007. A skilled litigator, Mr. Nelson handles business, employment, contract, property, and estate matters, and is a strong and committed advocate for his clients. Attorney Daniel D. Smith Esquire is an expert in the fields of tax, trust and estate planning, probate, trust and estate litigation, and general business and corporate law, Dan Smith received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School and his undergraduate degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. Attorney W. Franklin Pugh, Esq. has practiced law in Northern Virginia since 1985. He earned his law degree from the George Mason University School of Law that year; he was awarded his undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University in 1982. Frank Pugh has concentrated his areas of practice on estate planning, as well as estate and trust administration. He also works with general business clients and guardianships for incapacitated adults. A member of the Virginia State Bar and the Loudoun County Bar Association. he also serves as a Commissioner in Chancery for the Circuit Court of Loudoun County. Attorney John H. Cook, IV, joined the firm in November, 2019. He has over 30 years experience in diverse areas of law, including Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal Defense and Catastrophic Personal Injury case. Martindale-Hubbell, the largest and most comprehensive source of lawyer ratings in the world, awarded John its AV rating for highest ethical standards and professional ability.