Woods Rogers Elevates Four Attorneys to Principals

Woods Rogers announces the election of four attorneys as Principals, effective Jan. 1, 2026: Katherine Lennon Ellis, Nicholas A. Mirra, Pietro F. Sanitate, and Frederick H. Schutt. All four were unanimously approved by the firm’s Principals.

“Kate, Nick, Pietro, and Fred have earned the confidence of their clients and colleagues through exceptional legal work, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to service,” said Dan Summerlin, President of Woods Rogers. “Their election as Principals reflects their individual talent, and the trust they have built within the firm and with the clients we serve. We look forward to their contributions as they help shape the future of Woods Rogers.”

Katherine Lennon Ellis is based in the Woods Rogers Norfolk office, where she counsels clients in complex civil litigation in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels. She earned her undergraduate degree from St. John Fisher College and her law degree from William & Mary School of Law.

Nicholas A. Mirra is based in Roanoke. As Vice Chair of the Woods Rogers Emerging Growth Team, Nick advises businesses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial transactions, negotiations, and dispute resolution. He earned his undergraduate degree from Christopher Newport University and his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Pietro F. Sanitate practices out of the firm’s Richmond office. He advises on complex disputes and litigation across a wide range of practice areas, including commercial disputes, intellectual property, insurance defense, construction, and government contracts. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Frederick H. Schutt also practices in the Richmond office where he focuses on labor and employment matters. In addition to defending employers before federal and state agencies, he conducts workplace investigations, negotiates employment-related agreements, and advises on effective workplace policies. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.