Transatlantic law firm officially launches

National law firm Bond Dickinson LLP and US-based Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP have combined to create Womble Bond Dickinson. Announced in June 2017, the combination builds on the successful strategic alliance announced by the two firms in 2016, creating a Global Top 100 firm by annual revenue ($410 million/£340million) and a Top 20 UK law firm.

Announced in June 2017, the combination builds on the successful strategic alliance announced by the two firms in 2016, creating a Global Top 100 firm by annual revenue ($410 million/£340million) and a Top 20 UK law firm.

The new transatlantic platform offers clients access to 24 offices across the US and UK – including in Newcastle upon Tyne – as well as European market coverage through existing relationships in Germany and France, and how boosts a workforce of more than 1000 lawyers serving in excess of 250 publicly traded companies.

The combined firm has a sector-focused strategy and will use its strength and experience in these areas to create opportunities for its clients and build on the success achieved so far through the strategic alliance.

Kevin Robertson, partner and head of the Newcastle office at Womble Bond Dickinson commented: “This is a combination of two firms with a common culture and a shared commitment to client service. A growing number of our North East clients have business interests on both sides of the Atlantic. The combination enhances our ability to service those clients, and to help them to meet the challenges of today’s business world.

“The combination increases our intellectual capital, allows us to innovate more readily and helps us to attract and retain the very best talent in our local market – this is good news not only for our clients who require transatlantic support but also those we work closely with on purely domestic matters.

“We are proud of our heritage in the North East and we as a business will continue to invest in Newcastle as we grow. We are confident that with our success and depth of expertise, we can support our clients to thrive and prosper in a rapidly changing world. Becoming Womble Bond Dickinson ensures our continued commitment to our regions whilst bringing greater market insight and international experience.”

The new entity is a company limited by guarantee in which Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson US LLP operate as separate non-profit-sharing partnerships with their own independent Boards. Four members from each partnership have been appointed to the board of the new entity.