#United States #Tysons #Woods Rogers #Neal Seth #Mary Sylvia

Woods Rogers Expands in Northern Virginia

Woods Rogers, a notable Virginia-based law firm, has officially announced its entry into the Northern Virginia market. This strategic expansion is motivated by a significant demand from clients and the firm’s ongoing regional development. The new office will be managed by Neal Seth, who takes on the role of Principal and Managing Partner for the Tysons location. He will work alongside seasoned attorneys James A. Kelley and Mary Sylvia, both joining as Of Counsel.

The establishment of this office is a testament to Woods Rogers' commitment to providing relevant and accessible legal services in response to evolving client needs. While Woods Rogers currently maintains five offices across Virginia, the Tysons location represents an important milestone in addressing modern service demands.

In making this announcement, Dan Summerlin, president of Woods Rogers, emphasized the importance of having a local presence for their clients. He noted, “Physical presence is increasingly critical, particularly in fields such as intellectual property, government contracting, and regulatory compliance.” The firm aims to magnetize top-tier talent that prefers a collaborative atmosphere and a more intimate, mid-sized legal platform. Summerlin expressed enthusiasm in welcoming Neal, Jim, and Mary to the expanding Woods Rogers team.

In the meantime, Woods Rogers is temporarily located in offices at Greensboro Station while seeking a permanent establishment in Tysons. Neal Seth expressed excitement about this opportunity, declaring, “This was a chance to build something from the ground up with a firm I have admired for years. The current market presents a significant opportunity for mid-sized firms poised to handle sophisticated legal work that larger firms often overlook or cannot afford.” He firmly believes that Woods Rogers is exceptionally prepared to fill this gap, catering to the needs of his clients effectively.

Meet the New Team Members

Neal Seth

Neal's expertise lies in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group and the Intellectual Property Team. He will guide clients through high stakes patent litigation, specifically within the pharmaceutical sector. Beyond litigation, his role encompasses advising on patent strategy, prosecution, and management—coupled with extensive knowledge of FDA regulations in connection with Hatch-Waxman litigation. Neal holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a law degree from The George Washington University Law School.

Mary Sylvia

Mary also joins Woods Rogers in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group and the Intellectual Property Team. With over 30 years of experience marrying scientific expertise with legal knowledge, she specializes in biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent law. A trained molecular virologist, her advisory role extends to crafting complex IP strategies in both patent prosecution and high-stakes litigation, particularly within cutting-edge life sciences sectors. Her educational credentials include an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master's from the University of South Florida, and a law degree from American University Washington College of Law.

James A. Kelley

Jim brings a wealth of experience exceeding 45 years in advising government contractors and maritime companies. His profound focus on high-stakes contracts, claims, and investigations, rooted in complex government contracts and maritime law, positions him as a strong asset to Woods Rogers. Previously, he served as Assistant Counsel with the Military Sealift Command within the U.S. Department of the Navy. Jim obtained his undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon College and his law degree from the Delaware Law School.

A New Era for Woods Rogers

Woods Rogers continues to redefine legal services through its diverse team of over 135 attorneys, who work collaboratively across different legal disciplines to deliver business-oriented legal solutions. The firm serves a wide-ranging clientele—from individuals to large corporations—and is committed to fostering strong relationships and an exceptional workplace culture. With the new Tysons office, Woods Rogers stands ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving legal landscape in Northern Virginia. To learn more, visit woodsrogers.com or find them on LinkedIn as @woodsrogers.