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March 27, 2025 – Womble Bond Dickinson is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic alliance with Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel, a leading law firm based in Brazil. The alliance will enhance client support across jurisdictions, particularly in the energy and natural resources sector, where there is significant shared experience and capabilities. 

The strategic alliance focuses on several key objectives, including the expansion of global reach through shared office branding, implementation of joint marketing and business development initiatives, establishment of preferred referral relationships within respective jurisdictions, and development of professional development and exchange opportunities. 

Merrick Benn, Chair and CEO of Womble US, said: “We are particularly excited about the opportunity this alliance provides to offer streamlined access to exceptional legal counsel in Brazil and across Latin America while also extending our reach into global markets where our experience aligns with emerging opportunities. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mutual success, delivering significant advantages to all parties involved, especially our valued clients."

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.”

Jeff Whittle, Head of Womble's Global Energy and Natural Resources Industry Sector, said: “The energy sector is at the heart of global economic and environmental transformation, and this alliance strengthens our ability to provide top-tier counsel to clients at the forefront of this shift. By leveraging our presence in key jurisdictions, we can help clients capitalize on opportunities in oil and gas, infrastructure, and renewables across the Americas, Europe, and beyond."

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."

The alliance will formally come into effect on April 1, 2025, with oversight managed by a leadership group composed of partners from each firm. Womble US is represented by Merrick Benn and Jeff Whittle; Womble UK is represented by Alexander Dickinson and Paul Stewart; and Schmidt Valois is represented by Paulo Valois Pires, Rogério Miranda, and Guilherme Schmidt.