National law firm Bond Dickinson, which has its second largest office in Bristol, has struck an exclusive transatlantic strategic alliance with a top 100 US law firm.
The formal tie-up with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, the 88th largest firm in the US by lawyer numbers, was described by Bond Dickinson managing partner Jonathan Blair, as a “challenger model to the current transatlantic legal services market”.
He said the alliance promised 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 two firms have worked together for seven years. But 18 months ago they started talking about how they could work together more closely, said Mr Blair. They recognised further synergies were possible by elevating their collaborative relationship into a strategic alliance.
Bond Dickinson was formed in 2013 by the merger of Bristol-headquartered Bond Pearce and Newcastle-based Dickinson Dees. In 2014-15 it had revenues of £107m, putting it at 36th place in the UK legal league table by revenue.
Womble Carlyle has 494 lawyers in 15 offices across the US.
Mr Blair said: “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.
“It provides our clients with support into the United States, just as it gives Womble Carlyle’s clients support into the UK market.”
“For Bond Dickinson, the alliance represents a significant step towards achieving our vision whilst providing increased professional development opportunities for all of our people, aligned with our values and brand.”
The alliance was signed in London today. It 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.
Womble Carlyle chair and CEO Betty Temple said: “The alliance will increase the already established synergies between our two firms and serve as a catalyst to grow our global skillset and opportunities.
“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.”
Bond Dickinson has offices in Aberdeen, Leeds, London, Newcastle, Plymouth and Southampton as well as Bristol.
Womble Carlyle has five offices in North Carolina, three in South Carolina and two in Virginia and one each in Palo Alto, Delaware; Washington DC; Georgia and Maryland.
Pictured: Womble Carlyle CEO Betty Temple and Bond Dickinson managing partner Jonathan Blair
