Introducing Our New US Leadership
After nine years serving as CEO of Womble Bond Dickinson, Betty Temple handed the reins to Merrick Benn effective
January 1, 2025.
An accomplished lawyer, fearless leader, and true problem solver, Merrick exemplifies the very best of Womble. As US Vice Chair and a member of the Firm Management and Executive Committees, he has been deeply involved in every important decision we’ve made in recent years. He has proven his dedication to Womble and our clients time and time again, and I have every confidence that he will lead the firm to even greater heights.
BETTY TEMPLE
Womble achieved great success under Betty’s leadership and continues to be on a tremendous growth trajectory. Our increasing prominence as a leading global law firm has attracted high-caliber talent and fueled strategic expansion into new markets. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Womble through its next chapter, building on our strengths and furthering the commitment to our core values – integrity, devotion to client service, and respect for the individual.
MERRICK BENN
IN THE MEDIA
GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSION
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From 'Deadhead' To Womble Bond's Next Chair And CEO-Elect
Benn Elected as Chair,
CEO of Womble's U.S. Operations
Womble Bond Dickinson Elects Merrick Benn as
New US Chair
Womble Bond Plans US Leadership Shift, After
9-Year Term of Betty Temple
Womble Bond Dickinson Names Successor to US Chair and CEO Temple
Baltimore Lawyer Elected as Chair, CEO of
Global Firm
RECORD-BREAKING GROWTH IN 9 YEARS
Lawyer headcount increased 20%
Total headcount increased
10%
Gross revenue increased 42%
Click the icons below to learn more about the firm's growth journey under Betty's leadership.
Read the press release
Click the highlighted states to see details about our expanded footprint.
HUNTSVILLE, AL
2022
The newly created Huntsville office is Womble’s 30th worldwide and 23rd in the United States.
SAN FRANCISCO & LOS ANGELES, CA
2022
Womble Bond Dickinson established its San Francisco office by combining with Cooper, White & Cooper, a multi-practice firm with more than a century of experience providing comprehensive representation to clients in the Bay Area and across the country.
2018
Renowned California IP firm Blakely Sokoloff Taylor Zafman, LLP joined Womble Bond Dickinson, adding new offices in Los Angeles and Orange County (Costa Mesa). The move also greatly expanded the firm’s capabilities in Silicon Valley.
COLORADO SPRINGS & DENVER, CO
2023
Womble Bond Dickinson announced the opening of a Denver office with the addition of leading global Energy and Natural Resources partners Scot Anderson and Ana Maria Gutiérrez.
BOSTON, MA
2017
In August 2017, the firm opened its Boston office, expanding Womble Bond Dickinson’s footprint into the Northeast and New England.
NEW YORK, NY
2022
Womble Bond Dickinson established its New York presence with a group of prestigious lawyers from the boutique IP firm Abelman Frayne & Schwab, further elevating the firm’s ability to provide world-class service to clients at all stages of trademark protection and litigation.
2022
NASHVILLE, TN
Bolstered by the firm’s Global Security and International Trade teams, Womble Bond Dickinson opened an office in Nashville, TN, its 21st in the United States and 28th internationally.
2019
HOUSTON, TX
The firm opened its Houston office, expanding its offerings in the global energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, and life sciences sectors.
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2025
On January 1, 2025, we united the legacies of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and Lewis Roca to create a client-centered powerhouse with more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 offices in the US and UK, including our Colorado Springs office led by partner Caitlin McHugh, and our Denver office led by partners Scot Anderson and Caitlin McHugh.
Click here to read the press release.
PHOENIX & TUCSON, AZ
2023
Womble Bond Dickinson announced the opening of a Denver office with the addition of leading global Energy and Natural Resources partners Scot Anderson and Ana Maria Gutiérrez.
Click here to read the press release.
2025
On January 1, 2025, we united the legacies of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and Lewis Roca to create a client-centered powerhouse with more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 offices in the US and UK, including our Phoenix office led by partner Laura Pasqualone, and our Tucson office.
Click here to read the press release.
LAS VEGAS & RENO, NV
2023
Womble Bond Dickinson announced the opening of a Denver office with the addition of leading global Energy and Natural Resources partners Scot Anderson and Ana Maria Gutiérrez.
Click here to read the press release.
2025
On January 1, 2025, we united the legacies of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and Lewis Roca to create a client-centered powerhouse with more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 offices in the US and UK, including our Las Vegas and Reno offices led by partner Karl Rutledge.
Click here to read the press release.
2025
On January 1, 2025, we united the legacies of Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP and Lewis Roca to create a client-centered powerhouse with more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 offices in the US and UK, including our Los Angeles office led by partner Constantine Marantidis and our San Francisco office led by partner Chris Mammen.
Click here to read the press release.
2023
Womble Bond Dickinson announced the opening of a Denver office with the addition of leading global Energy and Natural Resources partners Scot Anderson and Ana Maria Gutiérrez.
Click here to read the press release.
2022
Click here to read the press release.
Womble Bond Dickinson established its San Francisco office by combining with Cooper, White & Cooper, a multi-practice firm with more than a century of experience providing comprehensive representation to clients in the Bay Area and across the country.
NEW YORK, NY
2022
Womble Bond Dickinson established its New York presence with a group of prestigious lawyers from the boutique IP firm Abelman Frayne & Schwab, further elevating the firm’s ability to provide world-class service to clients at all stages of trademark protection and litigation.
Click here to read the press release.
NEW YORK, NY
2022
Womble Bond Dickinson established its New York presence with a group of prestigious lawyers from the boutique IP firm Abelman Frayne & Schwab, further elevating the firm’s ability to provide world-class service to clients at all stages of trademark protection and litigation.
Click here to read the press release.
An accomplished lawyer, fearless leader, and true problem solver, Merrick exemplifies the very best of Womble. As US Vice Chair and a member of the Firm Management and Executive Committees, he has been deeply involved in every important decision we’ve made in recent years. He has proven his dedication to Womble and our clients time and time again, and I have every confidence that he will lead the firm to even greater heights.
BETTY TEMPLE
This partnership is built on shared values of collaboration, transparency, and integrity, combining complementary strengths to deliver exceptional value to clients. We’re committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected and engaged. As vice chair, I’m working closely with Merrick to ensure a seamless integration for our clients and team. I’m excited for the bright future ahead.
KEN VAN WINKLE
This partnership is built on shared values of collaboration, transparency, and integrity, combining complementary strengths to deliver exceptional value to clients. We’re committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected and engaged. As vice chair, I’m working closely with Merrick to ensure a seamless integration for our clients and team. I’m excited for the bright future ahead.