Contributors

Womble Bond Dickinson has grown exponentially in recent decades, expanding to 42 offices and more than 1,300 attorneys in the U.S. and UK.

But Womble’s roots in Winston-Salem, N.C. not only run deep—they remain vital to the firm today. As Womble celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, the Triad Business Journal published an extensive feature on Womble, its history in Winston-Salem, and how its core values integrity, devotion to clients, and respect for the individual continue to guide the firm.

John Morrow, Managing Partner of Womble’s Greensboro and Winston-Salem offices, told the Triad Business Journal, “The connection [to the Triad] starts from our very inception. The roots here have provided such a solid foundation that has enabled the firm to branch out and move to areas that, when I started, I never thought were even in the realm of possibility for this firm.”

The publication also spoke with retired Partners Bill and Erna Womble, who have been community leaders in the Winston-Salem area in a variety of roles. 

“[The firm’s culture of relationships] was something that everybody took pride in and helped develop. That building of relationships, I think, was huge for a lot of us because we saw the value of knowing people, knowing that a company, a corporation – small or large – is made up of people. To have the trust of a client is the biggest compliment of all,” Erna Womble said.

While the firm cherishes its history, Bill Womble said it has never gotten mired in the past. “It’s always been one that looked to the future, looked to innovation, what would serve clients best, what would serve the lawyers and the staff best, how to train to make that happen,” he said.

For example, Womble has partnered with the University of California Berkeley⁠ to offer AI courses to all employees, so that they can use this rapidly evolving technology to better serve clients.

But despite all the growth and all the technological advancements, Womble’s commitment to Winston-Salem and the surrounding area remains unchanged.

“The Triad community exemplifies what our firm is all about,” Morrow said. “What attracted me was the ability to do ‘big law’ work – very sophisticated legal work – but in an environment that is more relaxed…  We do see ourselves as being able to do equally competent and sophisticated work with a better culture. Have a nice work-life balance. You get that in the Triad community.”

Click here to read, “Triad Icons: At 150, Womble Bond Dickinson embraces AI, charts continued expansion” in the Triad Business Journal.