Major Law Firm Merger: Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca to Unite
Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca announce merger, creating a 1,300-lawyer firm with 37 offices across the US and UK. The combination, effective January 2025, reflects ongoing consolidation in the legal industry.
In a significant development for the legal industry, Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie have announced their intention to merge. The combination, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, will result in a formidable legal entity comprising 1,300 lawyers across 37 offices in the United States and the United Kingdom.
This merger is part of a broader trend of consolidation within the legal sector, which has seen increased activity in recent years. The legal industry in the United States, valued at over $300 billion, has witnessed numerous firms seeking to expand their reach and services through strategic combinations.
The newly formed entity will operate under the Womble Bond Dickinson name, bringing together the strengths of both firms. With a combined gross revenue exceeding $742 million based on the previous year's figures, the merger positions the firm to compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Merrick Benn, who was slated to become Womble's US chair and CEO in January, will lead the combined firm as chair and CEO. Kenneth Van Winkle, the managing partner of Lewis Roca, will assume the role of vice chair. This leadership structure aims to ensure a smooth transition and integration of the two firms.
The merger is expected to enhance the firm's capabilities in key practice areas such as real estate and intellectual property while expanding its geographic footprint. This strategic move aligns with the trend of law firms adapting to changing market conditions and client needs.
"This merger offers younger partners the opportunity to have really great careers from a platform, which candidly was getting harder and harder on what used to be a mid-sized firm and now has slowly become a smaller size firm."
The announcement follows closely on the heels of other significant mergers in the legal sector. Just a day prior, Ballard Spahr and Lane Powell revealed their plans to combine in January, forming a 750-lawyer firm. Additionally, Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders and Locke Lord announced their intention to create a 1,600-lawyer firm through a merger scheduled for January.
Industry experts view these developments as part of an ongoing consolidation trend. Lisa Smith, a principal at consultancy Fairfax Associates, noted that firms are pursuing opportunities in regions with growing economies as "business is shifting" to new markets.
The legal industry's landscape continues to evolve, influenced by factors such as technological advancements and the rise of alternative legal service providers. These changes have put pressure on traditional law firms to innovate and expand their offerings to remain competitive.
While mergers offer potential benefits, they also present challenges. Successful integrations require careful planning to maintain client relationships and firm culture. Studies suggest that up to 50% of law firm mergers fail to meet their objectives, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and execution.
As the legal sector navigates these changes, the Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca merger represents a significant step in the ongoing transformation of the industry. The success of this combination will likely be closely watched by other firms considering similar strategic moves in the future.
