Legal world shaken: Womble Bond Dickinson (US) and Lewis Roca announced major law firm merger

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) and Lewis Roca have announced a high-profile merger that will reshape the legal landscape, creating a new powerhouse in the industry. Effective January 1, 2025, the combined firm will operate under the name Womble Bond Dickinson (US), led by Chair and CEO Merrick Benn and Vice Chair Kenneth Van Winkle. This strategic merger will see the integration of two prominent law firms, resulting in a global entity with more than 1,300 attorneys and a footprint of 37 offices across the United States and the United Kingdom.

With a gross revenue exceeding $742 million, the newly formed firm is projected to rank 70th on the 2024 Am Law 100 list. This merger not only reflects a significant consolidation in the legal sector but also marks a strategic expansion into key regions, promising to bolster the firm’s presence in both domestic and international markets.

Strategic Expansion and Regional Strength

The merger is designed to amplify the strengths of both firms and enhance their capabilities across various legal practices and sectors. Womble Bond Dickinson (US) will gain a stronger foothold in the Southwest and Mountain West regions through Lewis Roca’s established offices, while Lewis Roca will benefit from Womble Bond Dickinson’s extensive network in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. The combined firm will now boast a robust presence in California and will operate 29 offices across 15 states and Washington, D.C. This expanded geographic reach is expected to deliver enhanced services to clients, leveraging the firm’s extensive resources and capabilities.

The merger will also bolster international operations, with Lewis Roca benefiting from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK)’s eight offices in the United Kingdom. This international footprint will enable the firm to address global client needs more effectively, offering a comprehensive suite of legal services that span across continents.

Unified Vision for Growth and Innovation

Betty Temple, Chair and CEO of Womble Bond Dickinson (US), expressed optimism about the merger, highlighting the alignment in strategic vision between the two firms. “One of the first parallels that emerged between our two firms was a shared strategic vision for serving clients in fast-growing cities and innovation hubs,” said Temple. “The combined firm’s platform will offer greater depth in these high-growth markets and beyond, empowering our attorneys to deliver sophisticated and multi-faceted legal counsel.”

Kenneth Van Winkle, Managing Partner of Lewis Roca, underscored the synergy and complementary nature of the merger. “This combination is a natural fit and a clear win-win,” Van Winkle remarked. “Both firms place a high value on genuine and long-term relationships with clients and colleagues, and our complementary practices offer a unique value proposition. Bringing together our vast capabilities, resources, and experience is a rare opportunity to elevate both firms and chart a path for future success.”

Enhanced Capabilities and Sector Expertise

The merger will significantly enhance the firm’s capabilities across several critical practice areas, including finance, bankruptcy and restructuring, intellectual property, real estate, complex litigation and disputes, and corporate and securities law. The combined firm will also experience valuable synergies across sector teams such as financial services, energy and natural resources, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, and technology.

This strategic integration will allow the firm to offer a broader range of services and solutions, catering to the evolving needs of clients in various sectors. By pooling resources and expertise, the combined entity aims to deliver more comprehensive and effective legal counsel, positioning itself as a leader in the industry.

Market Impact and Future Prospects

The merger between Womble Bond Dickinson (US) and Lewis Roca is poised to have a profound impact on the legal market, setting a new benchmark for law firm integrations. As both firms prepare for the merger’s effective date, they anticipate numerous opportunities for growth and development, leveraging their expanded network and enhanced capabilities to serve clients better and drive innovation in the legal sector.

The combination reflects a broader trend in the legal industry towards consolidation and expansion, as firms seek to enhance their global presence and offer more diverse services to meet the needs of an increasingly interconnected world. The newly formed Womble Bond Dickinson (US) is set to become a key player in the global legal market, offering clients a robust platform for navigating complex legal challenges and achieving their strategic objectives.