John Ralph

WBD first opened its doors in the Scottish capital on September 26, 2017, when the team took occupancy of an office on Princes Street with a small team of lawyers in the Real Estate and Dispute Management teams. Since then, the firm’s Scottish practice has expanded rapidly.

In 2019, further growth meant a move to a larger office was needed. WBD became the first occupant of GSS Developments’ 2 Semple Street Grade A office in the capital’s Exchange District; well-placed to service an expanding client base.

Since opening five years ago, WBD Edinburgh has delivered legal services to clients in the firm’s key sectors, including real estate, financial institutions and energy. It has also expanded and diversified its offering to include financial services, employment, banking, construction and private wealth.

Recent promotions include partners Lisa Dromgoole (construction), Chris McLauchlan (banking) and Emily Pike (private wealth), alongside the arrival of partner Paul Mason (real estate).

The energy team continues to advise on a wide range of projects across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom, working closely with colleagues to get pioneering hydrogen projects off the ground. Clients include Scottish, UK and international energy companies.

The banking team acts for clearing and challenger banks, investment funds and borrowers across a range of sectors including healthcare, real estate and retail and hospitality. Recent deal highlights include working on innovative sustainable development and claimant litigation financings.

WBD Edinburgh has supported various charities through fundraising and volunteering over the last five years. The office’s chosen charity for 2022-23 is FreshStart, an Edinburgh-based charity which aims to help people on their journey out of homelessness by providing various “packs” containing household goods that a lot of people take for granted.

John Ralph, partner and head of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Edinburgh office, said: “With over 10 years’ experience of operating in Scotland, the launch of our new Edinburgh office has further strengthened our standing in the Scottish market. With some quality hires we have enhanced the team’s capacity to provide wide-ranging sector advice across the UK and internationally, often in conjunction with our US colleagues.

“With further growth on the horizon and aspirations to expand our offering further, it is fantastic to see the team continue to play such pivotal roles in supporting our clients through a diverse range of exciting projects and deals. We look forward to collaborating with Scottish businesses and playing our part in community engagement for years to come.”