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LONDON (June 15, 2016) – Bond Dickinson LLP and Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP announced today they have entered a transatlantic strategic alliance. The alliance between these prominent law firms evolved from a long-standing relationship supporting clients in the US and UK.
At the heart of the alliance is a formal, shared commitment to ensure clients receive the benefits and continuity of coordinated high-quality legal advice on both sides of the Atlantic.
A challenger model to the current transatlantic legal services market, the alliance promises to deliver an outstanding client experience across key regional economic hubs throughout the UK and the US Lawyers at both firms will also benefit from greater opportunities to develop their international capabilities.
“The alliance will increase the already established synergies between our two firms and serve as a catalyst to grow our global skillset and opportunities,” said Betty Temple, Chair and CEO of Womble Carlyle. “Bond Dickinson boasts a client base and national presence that is unique in the UK and mirrors the capabilities and culture of Womble Carlyle in the US.”
Temple noted that the UK is the single largest investor in the US, its sixth largest trading partner, and its largest trading partner from the European Union. Many US states are notable hubs for UK foreign direct investment, she said, and a location where a number of national and regional UK businesses headquarter their US operations.
“In every way, Bond Dickinson is a perfect fit with our culture, goals and client needs,” Temple said. “The Bond Dickinson alliance offers us the opportunity to make available to our clients in the UK the same value proposition that we provide in the US: namely, superior legal services at optimum price points consistent with the modern requirements of business clients.”
The alliance, signed today in London, paves the way for a visitation program and office-hosting in each country, a reciprocal referral program, cooperation among practice groups and teams, sharing of best practices, and collaboration on marketing, business development, diversity and pro bono initiatives.
“This agreement allows Bond Dickinson to introduce our clients to a law firm that mirrors our culture, our focus on delivering an outstanding client experience, and our dedication to our people,” said Jonathan Blair, Managing Partner of Bond Dickinson. “It provides our clients with support into the United States, just as it gives Womble Carlyle’s clients support into the UK market.”
Blair stated that his firm has worked closely with Womble Carlyle for many years to help support Bond Dickinson clients in the UK and national clients in the US, and recognized further synergies could be delivered by cementing this collaborative relationship through a strategic alliance.
“For Bond Dickinson, the alliance represents a significant step towards achieving our vision,” Blair said, “whilst providing increased professional development opportunities for all of our people, aligned with our values and brand."
Leaders of both firms anticipate the alliance will result in significant sustainable growth for each and enable their clients to receive excellent client service when doing business in the other firm’s country.
Betty Temple and Jonathan Blair sign agreement.
About Womble Carlyle
Womble Carlyle is a 550-attorney super-regional law firm that provides corporate clients with core legal services, such as Complex Business Litigation, Mass Torts, Intellectual Property, Corporate & Securities, Finance and Real Estate. Its focus is the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Silicon Valley markets, and from this footprint serves clients in matters across the country and around the world. Clients trust the firm because it understands their businesses, focuses on their successes, demonstrates a commitment to help, and delivers value for the dollars they spend. Womble Carlyle’s offices are located in Atlanta; Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, S.C.; Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, and Winston-Salem, N.C.; Silicon Valley, Calif., Washington, D.C.; Charlottesville and Tysons Corner, Va.; Baltimore, Md.; and Wilmington, Del.
About Bond Dickinson
Bond Dickinson is a dynamic UK law firm with over 130 partners and over 650 legal professionals providing comprehensive legal services to clients across a wide range of legal expertise and sectors, from seven cities across the UK The firm’s clients range from FTSE 100 businesses and governmental organizations to privately managed businesses and wealthy individuals. At Bond Dickinson, delivering an exceptional client experience sits at the heart of everything the firm does. The firm’s values include putting clients first, valuing people, delivering excellence, and working as one team. Bond Dickinson has offices in Aberdeen, Bristol, Leeds, London, Newcastle, Plymouth and Southampton.
Contact:
Russell Thomas
202-857-4552
