Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has hired a group of 20 lawyers from Nashville-based litigation boutique Neal & Harwell to further expand its footprint in the city.
The incoming team includes 15 partners and represents the bulk of the attorneys at Neal & Harwell, which will close at the end of the month, according to multiple reports.
All but two of the 20 new recruits will join the firm’s business litigation group, while another two will join its finance, bankruptcy and restructuring practice.
Womble’s US chair and CEO Merrick Benn said: “Their arrival will immediately strengthen our trial bench by bringing decades of litigation experience ranging from appellate advocacy to entertainment disputes and bolster our transactional offerings with well-established real estate and corporate finance practices. They are trusted advocates whose skill and perspective will enhance the service we provide to clients across the firm.”
The partners joining Womble Bond are: Ben Aaron, Tom Dundon, Phil Elbert, Ron Harris, Callie Hinson, Jim Kelley, Bill Ramsey, Isaac Sanders, Jim Sanders, Nathan Sanders, Mariam Stockton, Jim Thomas, David Thompson, Liz Tipping and Jeffrey Zager.
The group brings a range of commercial litigation and disputes experience. Aaron, for example, covers civil areas including personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, commercial disputes and class action cases, alongside criminal matters. Dundon brings almost five decades of legal experience, specialising in bank and other types of fraud, corruption, environmental crimes and bribery, among others.
Meanwhile, Ramsey brings more than 40 years of experience, recognised for his work advising clients in the entertainment industry, including artists, entertainers and other music business operators such as managers, agents, record labels and publishers.
Ramsey said: “This is an exciting new chapter for our team. Joining Womble allows us to continue working together while offering our clients expanded capabilities and the support of a national platform. This is the perfect firm and an ideal opportunity for our team to continue the legacy of Jim Neal, who taught many of us how to practise law at the highest level. We’re energised by the opportunities ahead and look forward to delivering exceptional results with greater reach and resources.”
WBD launched in Nashville in 2022, at the time its 21st office in the US – it now has 29.
Josh Mullen, WBD’s Nashville office managing partner, said: “Since opening our Nashville office… we’ve focused on thoughtful, deliberate growth. From individuals to Fortune 500 companies, this group has served a diverse client base while maintaining strong ties to the broader Nashville community. Their collaborative nature and civic leadership will strengthen our office and bolster our ability to serve clients across a range of needs.”
The Nashville expansion follows WBD’s recent merger with Lewis Roca, a tie-up that created a top 70 US firm by revenue at the time.
The closure of Neal & Harwell ends a 54-year run for the firm, according to Bloomberg Law, with co-founder Aubrey Harwell having left in May to join Adams & Reese. Co-founder James Neal died in 2010.
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