As it makes its international debut, Womble Bond Dickinson is billing itself as a “new breed of transatlantic law firm” because it unites two middle-market firms with strong regional roots. After linking up as independent allies last year, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice and U.K. firm Bond Dickinson said June 1 that they will formally combine.

“We provide that Main Street value,” said Womble's chair and CEO, Elizabeth “Betty” Temple. She will co-chair the new firm's global board from her offices in Atlanta and South Carolina, splitting leadership duties with Jonathan Blair, Bond Dickinson's Newcastle-based managing partner.

“Our sweet spot is really the middle market,” Temple said. “There hasn't been a combination like this before. Our big offices are not in New York or London.”