How I Made My Mark as a Lateral: Neal Seth of Woods Rogers

Woods Rogers Principal and Tysons Office Managing Partner Neal Seth recently spoke with Law.com about his decision to join Woods Rogers, the firm’s approach to lateral integration, and his vision for the continued growth of the firm’s presence in Northern Virginia. 

Featured in Law.com’s “How I Made My Mark as a Lateral” series, Neal discussed how the opportunity to help establish Woods Rogers’ Tysons office made his move different from a traditional lateral transition. He also shared how longstanding professional relationships with Woods Rogers attorneys helped lay the foundation for the move. 

Neal said culture was as important as platform in selecting a firm, pointing to Woods Rogers’ collaborative approach to client service and clear vision for its future. He also described the firm’s deliberate approach to growth in Northern Virginia, with an emphasis on adding attorneys who complement the firm’s existing capabilities and the needs of businesses in the region. 

“Growth is certainly a priority, but it is growth with purpose,” Neal said. “Every addition should strengthen our ability to serve clients, enhance our existing capabilities, and reinforce the collaborative culture that defines Woods Rogers.” 

The interview also explores Neal’s advice for attorneys considering lateral moves and for law firms seeking to successfully integrate lateral hires. He encourages attorneys to evaluate culture alongside economics and urges firms to focus on recruiting people, not simply practices, while creating meaningful opportunities for new attorneys to contribute. 

Read Neal’s full Law.com interview here.