Northern Virginia continues to act as a powerful magnet, attracting lawyers and firms that hope to grab a piece of the legal market in the booming high-tech corridor.

D.C. lobbying and legal powerhouse Patton Boggs, the latest but surely not the last to join the race, plans to open an 18- to 20-lawyer office this fall near Tysons Corner, staffed with new hires as well as lawyers from its home office.