11 Woods Rogers Attorneys Named “Ones to Watch” 

Our goal is not just to attract top talent, but to develop leaders in our firm, our profession, and our community. No where is that demonstrated more clearly than in the accomplishments of our attorneys in the early stages of their careers. Reflecting our commitment to developing young attorneys, 11 Woods Rogers attorneys in four cities were named to the annual list of “Ones to Watch” in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers of America.

Attorney Fred Schutt was listed for the first time in Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. The full list of honorees by region and practice area is below.

Lynchburg, VA

Patrick Bolling
Labor and Employment Law – Management
Litigation - Labor and Employment

Norfolk, VA

Thomas Chappell
Appellate Practice

James B. Rixey III
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Corporate Law
Real Estate Law

Daniel Stephens
Real Estate Law

Richmond, VA

Pietro Sanitate
Commercial Litigation
Insurance Law
Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

Frederick H. Schutt
Commercial Litigation
Insurance Law

Leah M. Stiegler
Labor and Employment Law – Management
Litigation - Labor and Employment

Roanoke, VA

Zachary S. Agee
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Trusts and Estates

Susan E. B. Cook
Intellectual Property Law

Elizabeth Heddleston
Health Care Law

Justin E. Simmons
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Other acknowledgments given to Woods Rogers attorneys include listings on Best Lawyers in America and “Lawyer of the Year.”

Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive evaluation. Attorneys are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to ensure they are in current practice and in “good standing.” Lawyers who have been in private practice for 5-9 years are eligible to be nominated for the “Ones to Watch” list. Lawyers are not required nor allowed to pay a fee to be listed.