Transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson is forming a strategic alliance with Brazilian law firm Schmidt Valois Miranda Ferreira & Agel to bolster its cross-border legal capabilities, particularly in the energy and natural resources sector.

The tie-up will expand both firms’ global reach and establish referral relationships within their respective jurisdictions, as well as create professional development and exchange opportunities. Both firms will retain their names and operating independence, with the alliance due to go live on 1 April.

Paul Stewart, managing partner of Womble UK, said: “This alliance with Schmidt Valois is an exciting development for us domestically and internationally. Investing in our energy sector offering and making more of our international reach are two key parts of our growth strategy.

“We know that few firms of our size in the UK can match our international network, with our colleagues in the US, strategic alliances in France and Germany, and membership of the Lex Mundi network. Schmidt Valois, with their market-leading credentials in energy and renewables projects both in Latin America and globally, will help us do even more for our clients.”

Womble has more than 1,300 lawyers spread across its 37 UK and US office locations, while Schmidt Valois has roughly 40 lawyers based in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Paulo Valois Pires, co-managing partner of Schmidt Valois, said: “We are all excited about our new collaboration, which is a great opportunity for clients in Brazil who wish to invest or are already investing abroad. This alliance also permits the integration of high-quality legal services in multijurisdictional operations involving Latin America.”

Schmidt Valois was the first firm in Brazil dedicated to natural resources and infrastructure, though it has expertise in other sectors and practice areas, including sports, life science and technology.

Jeff Whittle, head of Womble’s global energy and natural resources industry sector, said: “This alliance provides our firm with a strategic reach into the Brazil and South America markets in general to help serve our US and UK based clients for various business and cross-border needs.

“At the same time, our global and multinational clients increasingly want to rely on law firms we trust to serve their needs on large scale global projects, international arbitrations, and Brazil national and South American regional advice/counsel.”

Whittle added that in the energy and natural resources sector it is critical to have a strong and reliable partner that understands local regulatory and tax issues, geopolitical risk, infrastructure needs and other local market know-how.